Definition and Context:
The term "abusively" refers to actions or speech that are harsh, cruel, or violent, often intended to harm or demean others. In a biblical context, abusive behavior is contrary to the teachings of love, kindness, and respect that are central to Christian ethics. The Bible addresses various forms of abusive behavior, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, and provides guidance on how believers should conduct themselves in relationships with others.

Biblical References:

1. Verbal Abuse:
The Bible frequently warns against the use of harmful or destructive language. In Ephesians 4:29 , Paul advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse underscores the importance of using speech to edify rather than to harm.

2. Physical Abuse:
While the Bible does not always explicitly mention physical abuse, it condemns violence and cruelty. Proverbs 3:31 states, "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways," highlighting the rejection of violent behavior. Additionally, the call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) inherently opposes any form of physical harm.

3. Emotional Abuse:
Emotional abuse, which can include manipulation, intimidation, and belittling, is also contrary to biblical teachings. Colossians 3:19 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them," promoting a relationship based on love and respect rather than control or harshness.

4. Abuse of Power:
The Bible addresses the misuse of power and authority, which can lead to abusive situations. In Ezekiel 34:4 , God rebukes the leaders of Israel: "You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost, but you have ruled them with violence and cruelty." This passage highlights the responsibility of leaders to care for and protect those under their authority.

5. Response to Abuse:
The Bible provides guidance on responding to abuse. Romans 12:17-19 advises, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" This passage encourages believers to seek peace and leave justice to God.

Theological Implications:
Abusive behavior is fundamentally at odds with the character of God, who is described as loving, just, and compassionate. The call to imitate Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2) involves embodying these attributes in relationships with others. The Bible's teachings on love, forgiveness, and justice provide a framework for addressing and overcoming abusive behavior, both within the church and in broader society.(adv.) In an abusive manner; rudely; with abusive language.1908. epereazo -- to revile
... using threats and false accusations "tailor-made" to the situation, ie under-handed
tactics "customized" to smear someone's reputation (revile, abusively insult ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1908.htm - 7k7429. ramas -- to trample
... A primitive root; to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively) -- oppressor,
stamp upon, trample (under feet), tread (down, upon). 7428, 7429. ...
/hebrew/7429.htm - 6k

Prior Hugh
... Then the building began, but no more; for the ten white pounds did not go
far, and the workmen angrily and abusively asked for wages. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iii prior hugh.htm

The Dispute Between the Empress and John. Arrival of Theophilus ...
... of the church of Chalcedon, who was an Egyptian and a relative of Theophilus, and
who had besides some other difficulties with John, spoke very abusively of him ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xvi the dispute between the.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... Neither have I in this relation abusively presented my reader, with other doctrines
or practices, than what I held, professed, and preached when apprehended ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm

Acts xxii. 17-20
... But I have mentioned the reason of this. [1092] And (at this rate) we often find
Christ Himself "speaking abusively" to the Jews when abused by them; as when ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlviii acts xxii 17-20.htm

Sozomen as Author.
... iv.16), John (vi.28, vii.22, vii.28), Theon (vi.28), Isaac (vi.40); so the bishops
Athanasius (iv.10), Chrysostom and Epiphanius, rather abusively (viii.15 ...
/.../sozomen/the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/part ii sozomen as author.htm

Acts xv. 35
... And if indeed a person abusively call us "dog," we are annoyed: but while we are
opprobrious to ourselves, not in word, but in deed, and do not even bestow as ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
... How, then, does Paul come to speak so disparagingly, even abusively, of the
Law, actually presenting it as veritable death and poison? ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twelfth sunday after trinity gospel.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Abusively (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In an abusive manner; rudely; with abusive
language. Multi-Version Concordance Abusively (3 Occurrences). ...
/a/abusively.htm - 7k

Abusive (7 Occurrences)

/a/abusive.htm - 9k

Abyss (11 Occurrences)

/a/abyss.htm - 13k

Profligacy (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Peter 4:4 At this they are astonished--that you do not run into the same
excess of profligacy as they do; and they speak abusively of you. (WEY RSV). ...
/p/profligacy.htm - 8k

Abuse (17 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Peter 4:4 At this they are astonished--that you do not run into the same
excess of profligacy as they do; and they speak abusively of you. ...
/a/abuse.htm - 13k

Astonished (92 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:4 At this they are astonished--that you do not run into the same excess
of profligacy as they do; and they speak abusively of you. (WEY). ...
/a/astonished.htm - 34k

I am a Hindu, why should I consider becoming a Christian? | GotQuestions.org

Abusively: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus