May 20, 2007

Being Free from Abusers

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Acts 16:16-34

Opening Illustration: Bullying 12 year old in CA made to hold up embarrassing sign. “"I engaged in bullying behavior. I got suspended from school. Don't be like me. Stop bullying."

How do we as Christians respond to abuse?

Story about slave girl in Philippi. “Spirit of the Python”

Paul and Silas beaten and imprisoned without fair trial.

Earthquake – Jailer ready to commit suicide.

Paul tells him good news about Jesus. Family is baptized.

Story rich in lessons about biblical responses to abusive situations.

First: We have to realize the limits of what we can do to help people. Slave girl was still going to be a slave. Only in the church could she be considered to have equal status.

We may be able to help only in small ways, but we have to be OK with the fact that abused people may or may not make good use of the help we give. Exit Strategy in Iraq.

Second: People who help the abused are liable to suffer abuse as a result. Are we willing to pay that price? Nasty call after writing letter to editor.

Third: Confronting abuse often brings benefits that we could never have foreseen. John Clough – Baptist Missionary to Ongole India.

Confronting oppression is at the heart of being the people of God. It is at the heart of our greatest law, which is to love our neighbors as ourselves. It is the ultimate example of “Do unto others as you would have them to unto you.”

As you go out this week, consider those people in your life who need your help, your support, and your respect. Think of the people who haven’t figured out that you don’t need to abuse someone else to find happiness in life. Don’t expect to be applauded for your efforts, but do expect God to do something far greater than anything you’ve ever imagined.