Equal Treatment under the Law

I thought I was done talking about domestic violence and abuse but allow me one more comment. "Real Housewives" actress, Kelly Bensimon reportedly punched her ex-boyfriend in the face, causing lacerations below his left eye and leaving him in substantial pain. He filed a complaint with the police and she could face up to a year in jail if convicted (The Oregonian, April 2, 2009).

Bensimon's lawyer argued that the boyfriend was to blame because he refused to leave her apartment after they split up. He also claimed that the boyfriend was very mean-spirited and called him a "jilted moron." Hmm... so, if a man punches a woman in the face, he faces abuse charges, but if a woman punches a man in the face, she shouldn't face the same penalty?

Let's remember that the law gives equal treatment to men and women--if a woman loses her patience and attacks her lover or spouse, she is just as guilty of violence as if a man did the same thing to a woman.

Christians have God's power available to them in every situation--we don't have to attack or lose control when provoked. How? First of all, learn to know yourself. What provokes you? Presses your buttons? Puts you in attack mode?

Ask God to help you notice when you're getting stressed or irritated.

Ask Him to show you what to do: Leave the room? Count to twenty? Breathe deeply? Say you'll talk later when things are calmer? Then follow through.

God not only wants us to live a life worthy of our calling to be followers of Jesus--He gives us the power to do it. Check out Ephesians 4 and and listen to what God says--help is available!

Poppy