For Abuse Victims, the Gospel Heals

Abuse changes a person.  That is one of the most difficult aspects.  There is a past hurt that cannot be explained rationally or excused away. It leaves behind someone who has been victimized by irrationally sinful and perverse acts.

There is a present change that exhibits itself in the way the victim views oneself and sees relationships in general.  There is a future ahead, but breaking out of past hurts and present perceptions is not an easy task.

When someone has been a victim of abuse, it affects the view one has of oneself. The person may become self-critical, self-doubting, insecure, fearful, isolated, and develop depression, emotional problems, physical illness, drug, alcohol or emotional dependency, be consumed with a feeling of powerlessness, and perhaps withdraw from real life into a virtual reality of the Internet in order to feel like one has a relationship that is safe.

The Gospel can counter all of that.  The forgiveness present in the Gospel of Jesus Christ acts as a healing agent.  Today, let’s look at the inward characteristics of the individual and tomorrow we will look at outward symptoms.

Where self-criticism ruled, one can be set free from a need for assigning or accepting blame.  John 8:30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Where one doubts self, the Gospel says to trust Jesus who is faithful and loving.  John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Where insecurity gnaws away at one’s confidence, the Gospel reminds us that we are eternally secure in Jesus Christ.  Our confidence is in Him.  John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

To the person who is afraid, the Gospel says not to fear anything in this world. Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

To the person who feels isolated and alone, the Gospel gives us a new community.  Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Today my prayer for you is that you will embrace the Gospel that heals.  May tomorrow’s joy be found in His pure light so that you will know the fullness of freedom, confidence, community, and faith.

Malachi 4:2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.