24 HOURS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD - Abuse (a blogpost for a sermon to be preached on March 2, 2015, at Kenwood Church based on Adam Hamilton's work by the same name)

Abuse is never an easy topic to discuss.  Verbal, sexual, physical, psychological, child, elder abuse.  The list goes on and on.  Discussing such matters is always filled with angst and pain.

I have noticed in my 25 years of ministry experience and 48 years of life experience that people who have suffered abuse usually connect more effectively with others who have met a similar fate.  I have often been surprised that the nature of the abuse is not always the common denominator.  Abuse in its broad sense seems to offer a framework for connection.

If you have been abused, run the the son of God that went through abuse.  The one who understands the pain of torture, pain, humiliation, degradation.  God came in the flesh, in part, to endure what we endure.  We have a savior who understands.  Really he does.

If you have felt the pain of abuse, let Jesus help you heal.