In Their Own Words: The Ultimate Fear
Perhaps the most devastating result of sexual abuse by a trusted spiritual leader is the feeling of betrayal or abandonment by God. It is crucial for a victim to know that not only does abuse infuriate God, but He is waiting with open arms to heal their deepest wounds.
In answer to the question Does God still love me?, Samantha Nelson responds:
"God loves YOU. He sent His son to die for just YOU. If you had been the only human ever created, Jesus would have died that you might, through Him, have eternal life. That is love unfathomable. I fail to comprehend it at times, but it is always true.
Each day will bring a new blessing—a new revelation—of God’s love for you. Does He not tell us in Matthew 10:31, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” And again in Luke 12:7, “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” The very hairs of our head! Imagine that?! And to think that God hath bestowed upon such a great honor as to be called sons (daughters) of God! 1 John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
Keep clinging to Jesus, the best you can. Without Him, there is no hope. As long as you believe and are willing to place your faith and trust in Him, you need not be hopeless. The Lord will make a way for you. He will direct your paths."
More questions and answers can be found here. If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact us.
Categories: Questions and Answers
Tags: clergy sexual abuse clergy sexual misconduct pastoral sexual abuse counselor abuse spiritual abuse
Thank you for God's word that we are still loved even though, at times, we feel like garbage after being used in this way. I would not be alive today without my relationship with God. There are some things in life that are so painful, no man can heal. I am finally learning that man cannot heal my broken heart. My friends and family can pray, love, support, and listen to me but God is the only One who can heal my heart. He is love, therefore, cannot stop loving us! Yes, there are days I feel unloved because of the magnitude of the betrayal, but this site is reminding me and encouraging me to run to Him, cling to Him, soak up His word, and pray His healing on my heart. He is close to the brokenhearted....
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