Would you counsel an abuse victim this way?

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Louise Dan
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This is current teaching on how to counsel an abuse victim, at least at BJU. It seems to contradict the series done on SI recently. Any thoughts? Is this a correct methodology?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfEHCQlyxKc&feature=player_embedded

The relevant portion begins about 4 minutes in. It's a discussion with a teenage girl whose stepfather had taken "physical liberties" with her. The focus is on her sin of anger and bitterness. She is counseled to confess her sin to God and then confess her sin to her abuser.

Susan R
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The message

Based on the brief snippet in the video, the message does not appear to be about how to counsel abuse victims, but about dealing with anger and bitterness in one's own heart. Hence the focus on the girl's attitude and not the man's sin. To be able to say "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" is the example of forgiveness that our Lord Himself models.

It is entirely appropriate to seek justice, especially when a child has been victimized, but when that child becomes an adult, their victimization only continues if their anger and hatred keeps them from living a victorious Christian life. I do not believe that forgiveness precludes necessary legal action.

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