We are truly saddened to hear about the prolonged suffering your friend has endured in her abusive marriage. While the Bible teaches that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16, WEB), it also makes clear that God hates abuse and oppression even more (Malachi 2:13-16, WEB). It is important that your friend not be encouraged to endure abuse. We hold that God does not intend for marriage to be abusive. God's intention is for marriage to be a blessed loving union between a man and a woman. In cases of abuse, separation may be necessary for safety and healing, and divorce may be an unfortunate but necessary outcome. This must be completely clear.
First, we must address your friend's faith in Jesus Christ. We read that your friend is struggling with her faith during her continued suffering. It is important to remember that our faith must be in Jesus Christ alone. It is only through Him that we can be saved.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. I Timothy 2:5, WEB
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8, WEB
Let her know that we do not know why God has allowed her to suffer, but we also do not know why God has allowed Jesus to suffer either. Nevertheless, we can know that God cares for us, and forgives us. He loved us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8, WEB
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister in Christ who is going through an incredibly difficult time. We pray that You will surround her with Your love, comfort, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Help her to feel Your presence and know that You are always with her, even in her darkest hours.
Lord, we ask for Your guidance as she navigates through the complexities of divorce. Give her the wisdom to make decisions that honor You and align with Your will. Help her to find godly counselors and supportive friends who can walk alongside her during this challenging time.
Father, we pray for her healing—both physically and emotionally. Help her to find the strength to forgive those who have wronged her, and to move forward in her life with renewed faith and hope. We pray for mercy and justice from her abuser. We also pray for her abuser. We ask for his conviction of his sin, his repentance, and his salvation. We also pray for her children. We pray that their hearts will be open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that their suffering will be soothed with the knowledge that God is just.
Lord, we ask that You will help her to keep her faith in Jesus Christ. Remind her of Your unfailing love and the promises You have made to those who trust in You. Help her to hold onto the hope that You have a plan and a purpose for her life, and that You will never leave her nor forsake her.
In Jesus' name, we pray for healing, guidance, and renewed faith for our sister in Christ. Amen.
Your friend should be encouraged to seek support from her local church community and Christian professionals who can provide guidance and assistance during this difficult time. She should also be encouraged to seek assistance from local government to protect her and her children. Remind her that God loves her deeply and has a plan for her future.
Finally, we address what you wrote by saying that God gives us permission to flee from our abusers.
Now I desire to have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. I Corinthians 11:3, WEB.
No one is encouraged to stay with an abuser. This is not God's will. Nevertheless, when we are Christians, we are called to forgive those who wrong us, and to pray for their salvation. We also have the right to protect ourselves from those who would harm us.
If there is any further question about divorce, she should be encouraged to read the Gospel of Matthew 5:32; 19:9, WEB. Jesus tells us that sexual immorality is the only cause for divorce. However, if she is being abused, she has the right to flee and seek safety. If the situation is dangerous, a legal separation may be necessary even without formal divorce proceedings.
We hope this helps your friend find answers to her questions and navigate through this challenging time while keeping her faith in Jesus Christ.