Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered (1 Peter 3:7 KJV)
Praise the Lord!
God demands that men (husbands, boyfriends, fiancée, whatever they are) must honour women as weaker vessels and coheirs together of the grace. However, I can assure you that most men disrespect and dishonour women. It is therefore your responsibility to avoid abusive and potentially abusive relationships.
What is an abusive relationship? An abusive relationship is one that curtails the fundamental human rights of any of the parties in the relationship. The right to live, the right to dignity, the right to privacy, the right to freedom of worship, the right to freedom of association, etc. Don’t stay in any relationship where the other party makes you feel indebted to him or her. Don’t stay one more day; it will destroy you.
Toxic or abusive relationships will stifle your progress in life. An abusive relationship can make you sick; destroy your peace and joy; destroy your very person, dignity and self-esteem.
To avoid abusive relationships:
- Set clear goals for your life and pursue them.
Don’t miss lectures or church or anything that leads to your goals just to see or be with anybody, no matter how much you want to be with them. Love can grow stale; build your life or you will soon regret.
- While you wait for the suitor, attend to the things of the lord:
The unmarried must attend to the things of the lord. Build up your faith and character even before a suitor comes along.
- Have a clear focus and vision for every relationship.
Never mix things up. Don’t sleep with friends, not for any reason.
- Set clear boundaries for dating and courtship.
Anybody you have not known for two seasons is a stranger. If you have not known the person for a year, treat them as strangers.
- They must have clear timelines to run with their vision with you.
Their proposal must be S-M-A-R-T or else it’s a con. (S-M-A-R-T is a popular acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely)
- Commit yourself to be faithful and loyal as long as it is not injurious to your well-being.
Don’t put yourself in any situation that puts you at the mercy of the other party.
- Don’t countenance any form of abuse for even a minute:
Don’t hesitate to involve the police. You may not get justice but you may get relief.
Be strong; stay blessed
I love you