By Demetrius Moffett

 

In the wake of the allegations that has been brought against Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer for whether he knew about the recent domestic violence behavior of ex-coach Zach Smith. Mainstream media is focusing on whether or when did coach Meyer find out about the recent behavior. The focus should be on covering the act itself.

Domestic Violence is not some fairytale.

In a piece written by Dr. Jacqueline Payne “domestic violence or abuse takes many forms. It can be physical, emotional or psychological, sexual, financial or related to cultural practices.”

An estimated 1.4 million women and 700,000 men have suffered domestic abuse in the last year 2017, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). According to the ONS, 4.9 million women, or 28-percent, and 2.4 million men, or nearly 15-percent, have experienced some form of domestic abuse since the age of 16.

John 13:34-35 (NKJV) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Domestic violence is not of God.

We have been called to love one another “AS” God loves us. God’s love is not abusive or abrasive.

There are so many cases that don’t get reported. Some people are scared or embarrassed to do so. They hope and believe that the abuse will stop or was an isolated incident. It’s been confirmed in that interview with Stadium, Courtney Smith reveals that she informed her family and Zach Smith’s family of his alleged abuse, and was advised to not to involve the police.

Romans 15:1-2 (NKJV) “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.”

All of us have been instructed to embrace and empower those who have fallen victim to domestic violence. By saying and doing nothing against, we are saying and doing a lot for.

Don’t allow for the loss of life be the tipping point for your involvement. The life you save may be a family member’s.

Domestic violence is real and could be happing in a home near you. Your lack of helping could add to the sack of hurting.

 

Demetrius Moffett is Senior Pastor of Orange Church of God, 1911 North 16th Street in Orange.