“The Confession” by Giuseppe Molteni (1838), Gallerie di Piazza Scala, Photographer Artgate Fondazione Cariplo (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
From a human perspective, it is inconceivable that abuse victims would consider forgiving so grievous a violation as abuse. Only with God’s intervention can abuse victims hope to forgive the perpetrator, and successfully move on with their lives.
Forgiveness begins with a decision to put the violation in the past. It may be necessary to re-address forgiveness as life events bring other areas of unforgiveness to the survivor’s awareness. This does not mean that the victim should be placed again in harm’s way.
Forgiveness cannot be forced (and does not preclude criminal prosecution). But without it, victims run the risk of being consumed by bitterness. God wants more for them than that.
Originally posted 8/11/13
Of note, Federal authorities have successfully taken down Backpage.com, a classified advertising website repeatedly accused of enabling prostitution and sex trafficking of minors.
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This is timely, Anna. I was praying about my abandonment issue just this morning and forgiving, again…
Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.
My heart goes out to you, Louise. The scars of abuse can be long lasting. Certainly, mine have been. But God is capable of supplying all our needs (Phil. 4: 19). ❤
Indeed, He is. Just reading this post was supply for my present need.