The Sunday Mail
Pastor Tinashe Zinyemba
Recently, I came across some interesting definitions for the word “abuse”.
Did you know that apart from the obvious definitions covering ill-treatment or usage, abuse also means “application to a wrong or bad purpose”? Today I want to address the sensitive topic of abuse broadly, in the weeks to come we will tackle specific areas. We have drug abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, etc, the list is endless.
Many people have faced abuse in various forms, and I’m sure you are not exempted from that group of people. It is further complicated when one is abused by people who are supposed to be his/her guardians. In such situations the victim is left stranded as they might be economically dependent.
However, I want you to know that no matter how much abuse you have faced in life, do not let that define your future or who you are.
Did you know that onions are actually a part of the apple family? There are some onions that have been grown in environments that eliminates that sting that makes you cry when peeling them. Scientists discovered that the type of soil determines just how bitter the onion’s sting will be.
What do you mean, I can hear some readers asking. All I am saying is you could be bitter because of the environment you have grown up in.
Hence the short temper, bitterness, anger, resentment, etc. I don’t know what abuse you have faced but do not let that determine your future or destiny.
In Luke 23vs34, our Lord Jesus says, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
What does this mean for you? Whoever abused you did so probably because they had no idea just how valuable you are or how great a destiny you have.
I know it’s tough and painful but today it is essential for you to let go of the hurt and pain associated with those events because the pain, bitterness and unforgiveness will become toxic to you and it will actually hinder you from becoming the man or woman you are destined to be.
Before you know it, you become that onion that causes tears in everybody’s eyes.
Joseph was a young man who faced abuse at an unprecedented scale. From Gen 37 to 45, his life story unfolds before our eyes. Firstly, Joseph shares his dreams to his family and his own father rebukes him and his brother mocks him for being an over ambitious dreamer.
People who are supposed to believe in you are the very ones who will crush your dreams. It did not end there for Joseph, his brothers went to the extent of selling him to slave traders. In fact, they initially wanted to kill him.
Can you imagine just how painful that must have been for Joseph . . . your own brothers strip you, dump you in a well then sell you and lie to your father that you have been killed by wild animals?
He must have been devastated. Still it did not end there. After being sold Joseph was bought by a powerful Egyptian who made him the head slave in his house.
Guess what, he was sexually abused by his master’s wife to the extent that she falsified evidence and accused him of attempting to rape her. He was thrown into a maximum security prison. Whilst there, he helped out a cup bearer and pleaded with this gentleman to remember him when he was released.
The cup bearer forgot about him for TWO whole years. One point to note is that all of this happened when during Joseph’s youth.
But in all this, Joseph did not allow any of the events to define him. Now I need to say that even though rebellion, bad attitude, stubbornness, etc, do not justify abuse, do your best to be a model youth/young adult.
If you have faced abuse of any sort and it is really affecting you, do not keep it to yourself, seek counselling from mature trustworthy individuals. Do not let the pain and frustration continue to build inside of you. Those who keep the pain and anger inside usually end up taking drugs, others commit suicide. So it is very wise to seek counselling.
Despite the abuse you have grown through, you are valuable and your destiny is secure in God, seek Him and He will heal you of your wounds. Till next time . . . God bless
The writer is a pastor with New Life Covenant Church. Feedback: [email protected]
