Yes! You Can Heal From Spiritual Hurt

Healing from spiritual abuse is complex and takes time. If you have been hurt by a spiritually abusive environment, there are two key beliefs that must change for healing to take root:

1. God Is Grace and Love

When I left my church of eleven years, I was terrified. Questions flooded my mind:

What if I was displeasing God?

What if I messed my kids up?

I could not stay in that church with all the pressure weighing on me—especially after losing my husband. But the fear of an angry God paralyzed me. What would happen if I left?

My foundational belief was that God was waiting to punish me whenever I messed up. Grace and love were not what I had been taught to associate with Him.

But this belief was a distortion. What made Jesus angry in the Bible was not people failing to meet impossible standards. It was the scribes and Pharisees, who burdened others with rules and made them believe that God was ready to strike them down for their mistakes.

That is not grace. That is not love.

God is not waiting for you to fail. He is full of grace and love—and He longs to show you both.

2. God Loves You Dearly

When I heard this verse, it began to warm my heart:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” – Jeremiah 31:3

Pause on the word "love" for a moment. God’s love is not haphazard or conditional. It is everlasting. Let the word “everlasting” settle in your heart. It means forever—without interruption or expiration.

Too often, spiritually abusive environments distort the meaning of discipline, turning it into a punishment to fear. But God's discipline is not a spanking. It is the care of a loving teacher, gently taking your hand and guiding you toward what is best. And then, because He values your autonomy, He lets go of your hand, allowing you to choose your path.

Let’s be clear: true love does not manipulate or punish as a way to maintain control. That’s not love—it’s selfishness. God’s love is different. His discipline nurtures growth and allows freedom.

Let the Truth of God’s Love Transform You

If God is omniscient—if He knows everything—then He knew every single sin you would ever commit before you were even born. He knew all of them the day you were saved, and He chose to love you anyway. His love is not performance-based. It is not withdrawn when you make mistakes. It is everlasting.

Take a moment to reflect on this truth:

God’s love is unwavering.

God’s grace is abundant.

God’s discipline is a loving guide, not a punishment.

If you have been weighed down by the fear of an angry God, I encourage you to meditate on the truth of His grace and love. Open your heart to the possibility that He delights in you, even in your brokenness. He knew everything about you before He called you His child—and He still chose you.

Practical Steps for Embracing God’s Love

Meditate on Scripture: Reflect on verses like Jeremiah 31:3 and Romans 8:38-39 (“nothing can separate us from the love of God”).

Journal Your Thoughts: Write about your fears, doubts, and the ways spiritual abuse has shaped your view of God. Then contrast those beliefs with what Scripture says about His love.

Pray Honestly: Speak to God about your struggles to trust in His grace and love. Ask Him to reveal His true nature to you.

Seek Support: Connect with a counselor or a community that understands the journey of healing from spiritual abuse.

God’s love is the best thing you could ever embrace. Let it warm your heart and transform your life.