What makes an abuser abuse? This is a question that we often ask ourselves when trying to understand our own abusive situations.  We don't understand the mindset of the person who is hurting us. 

Many factors can come into play, from how a person grew up, to mental illness. We can analyze all day long, but perhaps God has a much simpler answer to this question. 

Beyond that, sometimes, we can get so caught up in trying to understand our abuser's mind, that we lose sight of the importance of our own value, worth, and need for safety. I think it's important to have some perspective, yet not become lost in all of the many ways that we try to understand our abuser. 

God's Word always contains the right measure of understanding. Remember, the "why" is not as important as the fact that, the reality is, we are being abused. Also, the person who is abusing must be seeking their own understanding of things. 

Ask yourself... are they?