It Ends With Us premiered in cinemas this August. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, tells the tragic yet hopeful story of Lily Bloom, whose journey through love and domestic violence explores the complexity and turmoil inherent in such relationships.

The story manages nuance but remains uncompromising about the evil of marital violence, the necessity of removing the abused from harm, and the potential for healing through breaking the cycle of abuse and embracing forgiveness.

During the promotional campaign, the film’s stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, have faced scrutiny for their differing approaches. Lively has been criticised for characterising the film as girly fun, whilst Baldoni consistently emphasises the gravity of the subject matter and recognises survivors of abuse.

However, both actors are ultimately seeking to encourage the audience to engage with the difficult and neglected topic of abuse.

It Ends With Us’ central theme is the distinction between love and fear and how the two can become distorted. This presents a clear opportunity for Christians. God’s word teaches that love and fear are incompatible (1 John 4:18) and that real love is patient, kind, and sacrificial (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). In fact, all of Scripture tells us God is love itself. Are we clear in expressing what good news that is, especially to those who have experienced abuse?

The Bible is not silent on domestic abuse and violence against women. We often see how God despises abuse of power, oppression, and any distortion of marriage that mars the picture of Christ’s love for his church (Ephesians 5:21–33). In response to horrific abuse against a woman in Judges 19, God’s people are called to action: ‘Just imagine! We must do something! So speak up!’

As our peers engage with the controversies surrounding It Ends With Us, Christians have the perfect opportunity to respond to this command. Perhaps ask, ‘What do we think it is that so enrages us against abuse?’ Or, ‘Why are we so instinctively drawn to protect the vulnerable?’ Speak on the necessity for the abused to be protected and abusers to face justice.

Jesus advocates for the abused and provides the ultimate example of love – sacrificial, kind, and beautifully redemptive. He promises to bind up the broken-hearted, replace our shame with beauty (Isaiah 61), and to one day wipe every tear (Revelation 21).

This is the love we all need and very good news to share when confronted with the darkness of domestic violence.

Jo Evans
Director, Insightful Thinking