He raped me!
Dear Pastor,
I'm in my early twenties. I'm African. I was a victim of a date rape sometime in my teenage. I never shared this with anyone before. I'm Christian and have been trying to go over the experience (by pushing the past behind me and trying to embrace relationships with men), but I don't think I'm anywhere near progress. Sometimes I feel like shooting the first man dead in his tracks the next time I see him. (Un)fortunately, my country has tough gun laws and I can't risk getting one from the underworld, even if I wanted to. What must I do to help my estate?
L.
Dear L.,
I can feel your anger at the ordeal of rape you went through.
It is totally normal to be annoyed at the injustice of a fellow human being. However, you must be willing to intentionally to forgive the man who raped you – not for his sake, but for your sake.
Forgiveness will release you to be able to continue your life. The scar may remain in your heart and soul but the pain will be removed.
Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a choice. I encourage you also to forgive men. Not all men are beasts, just like it is a fact that not all women are angels.
I also encourage you to seek counsel from a Christian professional counsellor to help you ridding yourself of anger and vengeance.
Don’t let the past hold you captive because of what someone did to you – as painful as it is. Open yourself to God, forgive that man (by name) and ask for God’s healing. He is able to heal us of every emotional pain.
posted by Askthepastor @ 6:13 AM
9 comments
