Spiritual Abuse and It's Working Digital Cartoon

When someone makes you feel horrible and you say so, then they say they didn't and that it's all your fault for feeling that way... that's gaslighting, and it happens all the time in church!

If the sermons and teaching and the vibe of the place makes you feel shame and guilt and fear... then it's because they WANT you to feel shame and guilt and fear. That's spiritual abuse.

Did you know that some parents want their kids to feel shame and guilt and fear because then they're easier to control.

Same with adults in groups.

I bet there are some people reading this now who think we SHOULD feel shame and guilt and fear all the time. I wouldn't be surprised if they can't resist the urge to make us feel bad right now with their comments.

So... if you're constantly feeling shame and guilt and fear and are constantly living in fear of how God feels about you and you are always anxious and have no peace... it might be because someone is suggesting... overtly or subversively... that you should feel this way.

Stop listening to them.

Run!