Let’s all condemn domestic violence in Zimbabwe

By Brilliant Pongo

One of the most tragic and disgusting phenomenon is the abuse of women. Any man who abuses his wife or girlfriend, who demeans her, who insults her, who, exercises unrighteous dominion over her is unworthy in God’s sight.

I regret to say that I see too much of this ugly phenomenon. In the past week a Zimbabwean radio and television personality Tinopona Katsande posted pictures of her battered and bruised face.

One cannot help but be angered by such abuse. What sort of man would do this to a woman? What makes this even worse is that this is not even her husband. It is her boyfriend, now is the time Tino to leave this violent and vicious relationship. (haudanani ne nyuchi iwe – you are not in love with a bee)

This is just one of many incidents of gender violence, a lot worse goes on and goes unreported. Tinopona brought to public attention a subject which many Zimbabweans choose to ignore and even view as normal.

However, we need more brave women to stand up and expose domestic gender-based violence, it is sad that in some quarters of our nation there are some who try to normalise this ugly crime. It is time for our laws to be changed so that perpetrators of abuse are punished, the current state of affairs, seems to let them off with a slap on the wrist and this is very sad indeed.

There are men who cuff their wives about, both verbally and physically. What a tragedy when a man demeans the mother of his children. If there be any that read, or hear these words, who are guilty of such behaviour I call upon you to repent. Get on your knees and ask the Lord to forgive you.

Pray to God for the power to control your tongue and your heavy hand. Ask for the forgiveness of your wife and your children. I am confident that when we stand before the bar of God there will be little mention of how much wealth we accumulated in life, or of any honours which we may have achieved.

Nevertheless, there will be searching questions concerning our domestic relations. Moreover, I am convinced that only those who have walked through life with love and respect and appreciation for their companions and children will receive from our eternal judge the words. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”(Matt.25: 21).

I mention another type of abuse. It is of the elderly. “Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee”(Exodus 20:12). But how tragic it is, how absolutely revolting is abuse of the elderly.

Increasingly, we are living longer, thanks to the miracle of modern science and medical practice. But with old age comes a deterioration of physical capacity, and sometimes mental capacity. How beautiful is the picture of a son or daughter going out of his or her way to assist with kindness and benevolence and love an aged parent?

Now I wish to mention another form of abuse that has been publicised in the media. It is the sordid and evil abuse of children by adults usually men. It is a most despicable, tragic, and terrible thing.

The Lord Himself said: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). That is very strong language from the Prince of Peace, the Son of God.

Nevertheless, we recognise, and must always recognise, that when the penalty has been paid and the demands of justice have been met, there will be a helpful and kindly hand reaching out to assist.”

What more can I say. He that has ears let him hear. Those that practice any form of abuse, now is the time to repent. Pray to the Father, for power to control your tongue and heavy hand. Seek counselling from your ecclesiastical leaders.

I pray that we will give heed to this counsel and help stop people from becoming suicidal. There were some very disturbing reports in the media these past months. Abuse in any of its forms must be condemned. Let us love one another. Learn to do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

The Saviour himself said, “As I have loved you. Love one another. This new commandment: love one another. By this shall men know ye are my disciples. If ye have love one to another (John 13: 34-35).

We are all God’s children and in as much as this was directed to his disciples it is equally sound counsel to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.