My marriage is abusive - does God want me to stay
No - God does not require you to remain under abuse. Scripture never commands anyone to endure violence or terror in the name of marriage. 'The LORD... hateth...
him that loveth violence' (Psalm 11:5), and husbands are commanded to love their wives 'even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it' (Ephesians 5:25) - abuse is the direct opposite of that command, and the abuser is the one breaking the covenant, not the one who leaves to be safe. Getting yourself (and your children) to safety is not a sin; it is wisdom - 'A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself' (Proverbs 22:3). If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233, free and confidential, 24/7.
Tell someone you trust, and involve a pastor or counselor who takes abuse seriously - and if one tells you to simply submit to being harmed, find another. God sees, God is a refuge for the oppressed (Psalm 9:9), and your safety matters to him.
From Bible Navigator's study library. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). This is encouragement for study and reflection, not professional counseling - if you are in crisis, call or text 988.