Forgiveness is for the Abuser as much as it is for the Abused

healing

Sin and Abuse are very closely related

Abuse is to mistreat, damage or insult

Sin is to disobey God

When we disobey God, we almost always end up abusing somebody (whether it be others, ourselves or God himself)

Sinners (abusers) cannot receive forgiveness unless they repent

When we receive forgiveness, that removes guilt

When we forgive others, we release them from spiritual bondage

Even more than this, when we forgive others, God is able to heal our pain

The bible says "what you bind on earth will be bound in heaven" (Matt 16:9)

"If you forgive anybody his sins, they are forgiven" (John 20:23)

"If your forgive a man his sin, I will forgive them too" (2Cor 2:10)

The Bible also says "if you forgive others, God will forgive you and if you do not forgive others, God will not forgive you" (Matt 6:14-15)

Jesus, while being abused and persecuted and put to death on the cross said:

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing"

Non-repentance should not stop us forgiving those who abuse us

If they fail to repent, their guilt remains

If we fail to forgive, our pain remains

There is a God who sees and knows everything

one day, perhaps soon, he is going to come and put things right

Judgment belongs to God

The Bible says "judge not and you will not be judged"

it says "forgive and you will be forgiven"

it says "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

"the measure you use will be measured to you"

"you will reap what you sow"

We all have to Stand before God one day

Remember the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Just as the abuser cannot receive forgiveness without turning from his Sin (repenting)

The abused cannot receive healing without first letting go of the offense (forgiving the abuser)

paranoia