One of the tragic consequences of the covid-19 worldwide pandemic is domestic violence.  United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on governments around the world to make addressing the issue of domestic violence a key part of their response to the pandemic.  

“Violence” he stated, “is not confined to the battlefield.”  What a sad and dreadful reality.  This clearly points to father and other males in the home.  “For many women and girls, the threat looms larger where they should be safest – in their own homes,” he said, appealing “for peace at home – and in homes – around the world.”

Guterrea noted, “Over the past weeks, as the economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying surge in domestic violence.”  He urged “all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plan to COVID-19.”

His urgent plea reminded me of Jesus’ words regarding the signs of the End of the Age.  “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child.  Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death” (Mark 13:12).  Jesus is referring to a brake up in the home.  It is sad, but a reality, when the UN makes an appeal for there to be peace in the home.  

Men, this is an indictment of men all around the world.  God lays the responsibility of establishing a safe and secure environment in the home, at the feet of men.  We provide the protective umbrella.  Watch for leaks in your god given umbrella.  The enemy is sure to get you distracted with all the fear and uncertain with this pandemic.

We have this reminder from Peter on how to treat our wives: “Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life.  If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard” (I Pet. 3:7 NLT).  Notice the emphasis of prayer.  No one else can provide the spiritual protection that you can.  Certainly not the government as the General Secretary assumes

Scripture is also very direct with fathers. “And now a word to you fathers.  Don’t make your children angry by the way you treat them.  Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).  Children have only one father.  God has given him the responsibility to lead and protect them.      

Men, don’t beat yourself up if you are feeling trapped at home with your wife and kids. What has been in the spiritual atmosphere of your family life is now coming to the surface.  For some of you it might not look very pretty.  Hey, I have faced some of that with my wife of 54 years. Here are a few tips from a “old warrior.”

First, admit you have failed in your responsibility.  Be truly repentant with your wife and kids.  Your not the Lord; your simply a man facing responsibility.  Don’t run and hide.  You are stuck at home.

Second, your stuck at home so that the Lord can teach you know lessons about spiritual leadership. After being genuinely humbled before your family,  sincerely cry out God for mercy.  He will hear your cry for help  You might not like what he is asking of you, but you have no escape, except to blame and feel sorry for yourself.

Third, above all be thankful and assure your family that God is with you.  They need to know that you are on the same page as the Lord.