GBV

Strategies for combating Gender-based violence 2 [The role of the community]

2026-03-15

Text

1Corinthians 12:12-27

Aims

  1. to explore the concept of gender-based violence using scripture,

  2. to explain the contributing effects of social, cultural and parental factors to GBV within the biblical context,

  3. to discuss the negative impact of GBV drawing examples from the Bible,

  4. to discuss the biblical recommendations of recovering from GBV and

  5. to highlight the role of the church in mitigating the factors causing GBV

Introduction

As we celebrate all our mothers today, may God almighty grant them peace and joy in their marital homes in Jesus name.

Gender-based violence is a deeply entrenched issue, with alarming prevalence, affecting approximately 1 in 3 women globally – according to World Health Organization (WHO). Communities, as fundamental societal units, hold a pivotal role in addressing this problem. Positioned ideally, they can create a supportive environment fostering awareness, prevention, and response to GBV. Understanding the community's role through various dimensions, this Bible study aims to explore strategies grounded in biblical principles of love, compassion, and justice that communities can employ to combat gender-based violence effectively.

Study guide

  1. Awareness and Education: How can the pursuit of wisdom, as suggested in Proverbs, be linked to raising awareness and educating the community about gender-based violence? Proverbs 4:7

  2. Support and Empowerment: How does the biblical principle of carrying each other's burdens relate to providing support and empowerment for those affected by gender-based violence within the community? Gal 6:2

  3. Creating Safe Spaces: How can the biblical concept of God as our refuge and strength inspire the creation of safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence within the community? Psalms 46:1

  4. Advocacy and Justice: How can the biblical call to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, guide the community in advocating for justice? Prov. 31:8-9

  5. Collaboration and Outreach: How does the analogy of the church as one body with many parts in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 guide us in collaborating with other organizations and reaching out to the wider community to address gender-based violence effectively?

Conclusion

Remember, it is within the collective strength of our communities that we can shatter the chains of gender-based violence, creating a world where respect, equality, and love prevail.

Memory verse

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble”.