An estimated three to four million American women are battered annually by their husbands or partners. Battering is defined as repeatedly subjecting a person to forceful physical, social, and psychological behavior in order to coerce such persons without regard to their rights. Domestic violence is not a twentieth century phenomenon. It is as old as history, but it is one which the church has hesitated to tackle. Through Jesus Christ, redemption of the abuser and victim is the mission of the church.
Redemption is available but one has to choose it.
However, the process of the Holy Spirit at work in the renewing of the mind and spirit of both persons takes time. As reconciliation progresses it is necessary to understand that a New Covenant is being made and that there will be no violence under any circumstance. It is important to note that reconciliation should not be the primary goal. In some instances reconciliation may not be an option, but redeeming, healing, and restoring a spouse is always the Christian mandate. The fall resulted in men and women abusing power with each other, but redemption came to reverse the effects of the fall and Pentecost has empowered the church to be a redeeming community.