Beyond Forgiveness: A Call for Justice, Healing, and Accountability

  Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' J...

  Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

 Matthew 18:21-22

As a victim of child sexual abuse one word that you will hear more than any other word is "forgiveness." 

Not:

• love
• justice
• accountability
• hope
• strong
• survivor
• speak

Forgiveness.  

YOU survived a heinous act/acts that may well impact the rest of your days.  You were strong. You're still here. You are resilient. You matter. You deserve justice, compassion, empathy, love and support. 

BUT more likely than that, you will not hear ANY of that from the people who love you. You will not hear that from people of faith. 

You will get a prescription to forgive. As if you did something wrong and now it is up to you to quietly wash that clean.

A Prescription to Forgive

 Forgiveness is undoubtedly a powerful act of compassion, mercy, and unconditional love. However, we must acknowledge that forgiveness should never be the sole prescription for violence and abuse – it must not overshadow justice, healing, and accountability. 

It is vital to understand that violence and abuse deeply scar the lives of victims. Their trauma extends far beyond mere emotional wounds; it seeps into their physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. While forgiveness can provide temporary relief, it cannot erase the anguish experienced by the oppressed or negate the need for justice.

Forgiveness alone cannot heal the wounds inflicted upon the victims of violence and abuse. Healing requires specialized care, therapy, and support systems to mend the brokenness caused by such experiences. We, as a church community, must become proactive agents of healing, offering counseling, resources, and safe spaces where victims can find solace and empowerment.

Genuine transformation and reconciliation cannot occur without accountability. Perpetrators need to be held accountable for their actions, challenged to confront their darkness, and encouraged to undergo genuine repentance. Accountability empowers the oppressed to reclaim their dignity and prevents further cycles of violence.

As a church community, we must challenge the societal norms that perpetuate violence and abuse.  By changing society's attitudes and behaviors, we act as a catalyst for justice, healing, and accountability.

Accountability In Our Faith Journey

Accountability allows us to reflect upon the choices that we make.  Accountability plays a pivotal role in our faith journey. It requires us to examine our actions, thoughts, and words as we navigate our interactions with others. 

It invites us to honestly appraise how we treat our family members, friends, colleagues, strangers, and even those who may hold different beliefs or viewpoints from our own.

We must recognize that violence and abuse have no place in the body of Christ. They contradict the very essence of the Gospel, which calls us to love, forgive, and restore. The gravity of this issue demands our sincere attention, unwavering commitment, and above all, our humble repentance.

1. Acknowledge our own shortcomings: We must humbly recognize that we are not immune to the potential of violence or abuse in our own lives. By acknowledging our weaknesses, we open the door for healing, transformation, and growth in Christ.

2. Seek forgiveness and reconciliation: When we realize we have inflicted harm upon others, it is crucial to seek genuine repentance, asking for forgiveness from both God and those we have wronged. Additionally, we should actively pursue reconciliation, bearing the responsibility of repairing relationships shattered by our actions.

3. Create safe spaces for truth and healing: Within our communities, we must foster an environment where survivors of violence and abuse feel safe, loved, and supported. We should listen to their stories without judgment, providing resources for healing and restoration while advocating for justice in their lives.

4. Advocate for prevention and education: We have a duty to raise awareness and educate one another about the harmful consequences of violence and abusive behaviors. By promoting healthy relationships and addressing underlying issues, we contribute to breaking the cycle of violence in our society.

Let Us.....

 Accountability is not meant to shame or condemn; rather, it is a pathway to redemption, restoration, and growth.

 Let us hold ourselves and each other responsible for our actions, striving to build a community that reflects Christ's love and grace. 

Let us stand united, refusing to remain silent in the face of violence and abuse, and reminding the world of the transformative power of Christ's grace.

Let us actively promote education, awareness, and open dialogue about these pressing issues.

Let us stand together, unified in our resolve to challenge societal norms, advocate for justice, heal the wounded, and hold the perpetrators accountable.

 As individuals and as a faith community, let us strive to cultivate a culture of accountability that upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life.

May the Holy Spirit empower us to extend God's heart of love, compassion, and mercy to all, as we embark on this journey of genuine accountability. 

Together, we can overcome darkness with light, violence with peace, and abuse with healing.

May God enlighten our hearts and guide us on this arduous but necessary journey. Amen.

Embracing Healing and Restoration: A Biblical Message of Hope for Abuse Survivors | WE Survive Abuse

"Building a Safe Haven: Embracing Truth as an Act of Love in the Christian Community" | WE Survive Abuse

What the Church and People of Faith Can Do to Help Victims of Sexual and Domestic Violence | WE Survive Abuse