If you are an adult whose parent still hits you, you are not alone. You probably feel as if you are, but you really are not. Many people are too embarrassed to admit that they are adults, often with children of their own, and still being slapped around as they were when they were children.
Please do not be embarrassed, though! You are not the one doing bad things that should be a cause for shame – your parent is! Your parent is the one acting foolishly and cruelly, not you! There is nothing that can justify your parent’s behavior!
Also, if you were raised in the church, or with very religious parents, you most likely heard “Spare the rod, spoil the child” as a justification for physical abuse. This is not what God intended with that verse! God is a loving God who wants what is best for you, and being beaten is NOT best! He wants parents to discipline their children so they are not spoiled, but discipline does not need to mean cause physical harm!
- Other verses that prove this are:
Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” (KJV) - Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (KJV)
- 1 Thessalonians 2:11 “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,” (KJV)
Nothing that your parent can say or do can justify hitting you. Period. Protect yourself from his or her blows. You are the only one who can do that, and you have every right to do so! You are allowed to call the police or get a restraining order if necessary! Do not believe that your parent should get away with hitting you just because this person is your parent. Being a parent does not give anyone the right to be abusive in any form!
On the road to healing, I personally found my relationship with God to be my greatest help. He helped me more than I can say. Prayer and meditating on His word, the Bible, helped so much. Learning who the Bible says I am as a child of God is not only inspiring and comforting, but helpful in the healing process. If you do not have a personal relationship with God, please read the page Salvation Through Jesus Christ for more information.