'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.’ Genesis 1:27 (NIV) 
Once again in a ‘God’s Heart for the World’ document we return to the beginning of Genesis, this time to remind ourselves of the inherent worth and value given to both men and women by God. Both are made in God’s image, are of equal standing and are loved by their Creator. At the same time, as we have been reading Genesis, we have come across heart-breaking stories of various women. We have read stories of women like Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel, all struggling with infertility, giving us insight into the pain and grief that this causes them. We also read stories of terrible injustices against women, such as to Hagar, Leah and Dinah. Some of the stories reflect the fact that throughout history and today, many women have faced injustice and abuse, often treated as less significant than men. As we read these stories, we may wonder what God thinks about the treatment of some of these women and whether He cares about their pain. The reality is that we live in a broken and fallen world with women often facing an imbalance in the consequences of this. However, the below examples reveal that God does not ignore the pain and struggle of women, and that He commands care of them. 

‘She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”’ Genesis 16:13 (NIV) 
The story of Hagar and Ishmael that we recently read in our Bible Reading plan sees the terrible treatment of Sarai and Abram’s slave. You may have read this and other stories and felt uncomfortable, which is to be expected. Abram and Sarah may be people who make decisions and choices of faith in their lives, but they are not perfect, their treatment of Hagar being a clear example of this imperfection. The heart-warming part of this story, though, is that Hagar is not left alone by God. She gives a new name for God, ‘El Roi’, the God who sees. This is such a powerful statement coming from someone who knows the statement to be true, despite the injustice she has faced. God sees her situation, He hears her cry. God brings comfort and provision, as well as future hope and promise to this woman, even in the most desperate of situations. 

‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.’ Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) 
Not only does God care for women in their distress, throughout the Bible we also see God commanding His people to take care of those who have faced injustice or are in need. The above verse from Isaiah is God’s word to His people in Judah and Jerusalem. The people are facing judgement for the way they have treated God, but a part of this ill-treatment is the way they have treated people. God through Isaiah states that their hands are ‘full of blood’ (Isaiah 1:15), one of the reasons being that their leaders did not care for those in need (Isaiah 1:23). God’s command to His people is seen above. As part of loving Him and reflecting what it means to be His people, they are to stand against abuse and injustice. 

‘As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery...’ (John 8:3) 
The above story is of Jesus encountering a women caught in adultery, something punishable by death in the law given by Moses (Leviticus 20:10). A whole discussion could be had about this passage but let’s focus on the injustice towards the woman in this story. The man at fault is nowhere to be seen. The woman is facing the full punishment, bringing into question the fairness of the trial. We do not know what Jesus writes in the ground, but the injustice against women is again revealed to us in this story. The way Jesus responds, with mercy, grace and dismantling what appears to be an unjust trial against the woman, is an example to us all. God cares about women who have faced abuse and injustice, He is outraged by acts of abuse, and He commands us to reflect His heart in our own actions and responses. 
This topic has not been an easy one, but we believe it is important to address. We can be grateful that the Bible does not ignore these topics. Some of us may still have questions and we can bring these to God, trusting in His character and care. You may also wish to discuss your questions with a trusted Christian friend or your connect group. If you need to discuss further, please reach out to a church leader. You may also find the below resources helpful. Ultimately we live in faith and hope, knowing that one day all things will made new and believing that one day all women will be treated with the inherent worth and value which they are due.

Prayer: 
“Father, we thank you for the women in our lives, and the difference they make to us. Some of these Bible passages are uncomfortable to read, but we thank you that you bring these issues to our attention so that we as your people can pray and act. Make us aware of abuse and injustice happening around us or across the world. Help us to speak out or to campaign where needed, to give generously when you call us to give to those helping women in need, and to continue to pray. Thank you for the way the Bible shows your heart and compassion for the equality and rights of women. Help us to follow your example. Amen.” 

Suggested Practical Steps: 
- Think about how you can encourage a woman in your life that you know this week (e.g. a friend, daughter, wife, mother, sister etc.). What is one way you can communicate that they are loved and valued both by you and by God? This could be a practical act of kindness or a spoken or written encouragement. 
- Consider donating items to the Next Chapter charity for women and children placed in refuge accommodation (more information below). 
- International Women's Day is happening on the 8th March. Consider using this day as an opportunity to pray for women globally or to raise awareness of the challenges that many women face, by talking with others about it. One place where women are especially facing injustice that you may like to read and speak about is Afghanistan (see the Sat7UK article below). 

Additional Resources: 
Next Chapter (Colchester and Tendring Domestic Abuse Charity) 
Sat7UK (Article: ‘A Voice for Silenced Women in Afghanistan’) 
Baptists Together (Good Reads about Gender) 
Bible Project (Exposition and discussion about Genesis 34 and the oppression of Tamar (requires a free, logged in account to access) 
The Gospel Coalition (Article also about Genesis 34)