Last month superstar Chris Brown was charged with felony assault after allegedly attacking and threatening his girlfriend and fellow pop star Rihanna. Brown recently plead not guilty, and the case is headed to trial. In the meantime Brown's arrest has drawn attention to the widespread problems of domestic abuse and dating violence. Next week we'll talk about healthy relationships and how relationships grounded in love, respect, and trust are outward signs of our faith in a God who created us to be in relationship with God and one another. Key Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 12:1-21; Colossians 3:12-19. The video for Grammy-winner Lil Wayne's hit song “Prom Queen” tells the story of an awkward nerd rejected by the prettiest girl in school. The brokenhearted teen—Wayne himself—goes on to fame and fortune while the prom queen struggles and hopes in vain for another opportunity to catch the attention of the boy she once spurned. The video, which suggests that the prom queen got what she deserved, speaks to the human desire for payback. Scripture tells us that, as Christ followers, we will experience rejection; but it warns us not to seek vengeance. Instead the Bible shows us “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31): a way of love and forgiveness, even for those who have hurt us.
