Incest is defined as sexual relations between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal or forbidden by custom. It is also the statutory crime of sexual relations with a near relative.
Brief Explanation:
Probably one of the most difficult situations to have to counsel is that of incest or child sexual abuse in the home. Generally, incest is seen differently than pedophilia, as the inappropriate and damaging sexual abuse occurs in isolation of the family. Of course, in either case, the perpetrator if known must be reported to the Child Welfare or Police in your community.
Incest is forbidden in all civilized cultures, is forbidden in the bible, and is to be dealt with directly and seriously. Often, the perpetrator will end up in jail for a season, often, but not always, causing the break-up of the family. To handle a case of incest takes skill and sensitivity, and often specialized training. For more, see Family Violence: Patterns of Destruction by Dr. Stan DeKoven.
The Word of God:
Leviticus 18:6, 7
“None of you shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness; I am the Lord. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, that is, the nakedness of your mother. She is your mother; you are not to uncover her nakedness.”
Leviticus 18:29
“For whoever does any of these abominations, those persons who do so shall be cut off from among their people.”
Leviticus 20:12
“If there is a man who lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death; they have committed incest, their blood guiltiness is upon them.”
Psalm 27:10
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up.”
Isaiah 41:10, 11, 13
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely, I will help you, surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, do not fear, I will help you.”
