Where was God when I was being raped?

Psalm 55:17 Morning, noon, and night I plead aloud in my distress, and the Lord hears me.
Psalm 118:5 In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and rescued me.

We don't know why God lets disasters happen to us, but we know He hurts deeply with us and loves us more than we can imagine.

What is God's response to rape?

Psalm 12:5 The Lord replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up and rescue them, as they have longed for me to do."

What is the relationship between evil desires and rape?

Romans 6:12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires.
Galatians 5:19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure.

Lust and evil desires, left unchecked and uncontrolled, can lead to immorality, violence, and rape.

Does a victim of rape share any responsibility for what happened?

Deut. 22:25-26 But if the man meets the engaged woman out in the country, and he rapes her, then only the man should die. Do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no crime worthy of death. This is similar to the case of someone who attacks and murders a neighbor.
Deut. 22:23-24 If this happens within a town, you must take them both to the gates of the town and stone them to death. The woman is guilty because she did not scream for help.

The victim of rape has a responsibility to try to protect herself in any way she can.

Is revenge the answer to rape?

Romans 12:19 Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord.

Revenge is not the answer to anything. Leave that to the Lord.

How can I avoid feelings of anger and hatred?

Psalm 37:8 Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others--it only leads to harm.

Eph. 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

If we only think of God and his goodness, we will empty our hearts and minds of anger and hatred.

How can forgiveness be the answer--is forgiveness absolutely the answer?

Matthew 5:44 Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
Mark 11:25 When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Romans 12:21 Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Christ forgave those who crucified him. There is nothing harder than forgiving someone who has greatly wronged you, but there is also nothing more healing.
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