"Whoso Shall Offend One of these little ones..., it were better for him that a Millstone were Hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea" ~Matthew 18:6

This is a huge topic to discuss, so I am going to touch on just a few key points. The best definition of abuse I think is this, "Abuse consists of actions or attitudes that are intended to hurt or control."

Physical abuse: "Grabbing or pushing in a sibling relationship is different from such behaviors in a couple relationship." I think this is important to know and believe. I have known a lot of Young adults who thought that "playing rough" with their girlfriend or boyfriend was okay. It is just how they are, but it is wrong. Girls, you don't have to act tough to roll with the boys. You need to be respected and also respect.

In talking about ALL forms of abuse, it is important to know that we still need to forgive the abuser. It's true. Heavenly Father wants us to forgive all, He will decide whether He will forgive or not. So, Forgive, BUT tolerate no more. I emphasized the but, because it is different from me saying, Forgive and tolerate no more. I feel like when I say these two statement they give off a different idea about how your attitude will be after. I have seen in situations, even other than abuse, that you forgive someone and won't accept that behavior anymore...If you are sweet and gentle around the topic and just trust that it won't come back, I feel that it most likely will. It is okay to not trust someone the same. It is okay to be bold in your resolve to accept nothing but respect and better treatment.

If you have experienced abuse in some form, THE LORD LOVES YOU! I love you, truly. Life is hard enough without those kind of trials. Know that you can grow from those experiences, as badly as you and everyone else wish you didn't have to have those experiences, you can be more of YOU, because of them and show real love and compassion towards others. 

Brigham Young said, "Bring up your children in the love and fear of the Lord; study their dispositions and their temperaments, and deal with them accordingly, never allowing yourself to correct them in the heat of passion; teach them to love you rather than to fear you."

Richard G. Scott: 

"You must understand that you are free to determine to overcome the harmful results of abuse."
Please Please Please, read this talk, by clicking on this link, here. Elder Richard G. Scott says all that I wish I could. His words are helpful. 

"If you give way to your angry feelings, it sets on fire the whole course of nature...and you are then apt to set those on fire who are contending with you." ~ Brigham Young 

"Heavenly Father sees us in terms of Forever."

(In regards to Chapter 24 of the text, "Successful Marriage and Families: Proclamation Principles and Research Perspectives")