“Eve” by Auguste Rodin, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Author MicheleLovesArt (MIchele Ahin at https://www.flickr.com/people/39627257@N04) (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
Many, if not most, victims will conclude from the abuse inflicted on them that they have little or no value. They are likely to view God as angry and withholding, unconcerned for their welfare. This applies whether the abuse is emotional, physical, sexual or in the form of neglect.
When in all humility Christians describe themselves as undeserving of Salvation or compare their righteousness to “filthy rags” (Is. 64: 6), abuse victims can readily identify. However, abuse victims are inclined to view themselves as irredeemable.
Having been treated like filthy rags, having been taught that love must be “earned” – and never is – victims may, even as adults, wrestle with shame and believe that they are worthless. This can drive them toward legalism (Christianity as perfectionism), in a frantic attempt to obtain the love they have been denied.
But God values every life. His love is freely given.
Christ said:
“ ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’ ” (Matt. 5: 5).
He said:
“… ‘Whoever receives this little child in my name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great’” (Luke 9: 48).
Christians must, first and foremost, demonstrate God’s love to abuse victims. If they fail in this, the shame is theirs.
Originally posted 3/22/15
This series will continue next week with Trusting God, Self, and Others
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Anna!! Amen and amen. What a profound and deep truth you are touching upon that is so often ignored. We need to help build up one another and how can we do that if we do not recognize the wounds.
I needed to be reminded of this and I look forward to the future teachings you will be writing in this series, Anna.
D
Thank you for your encouragement, David. It means a great deal to me.
It’s very mutual, Anna.
Really Anna you always touch that was ignored by us earlier. Superb Anna .”Mere seene mein ya tere seene aag kahi par ho magar ye aag jalni chahiye”-Dhoomil renowned and revolutionary poet of hindi.
I do not deserve such high praise, Rachana. ❤ But your quote from Dhoomil (“I have never seen anything like this before going to hell”) could not be more appropriate. I wrestled for many years with the problems associated with abuse, and still carry scars. I try to share the lessons I learned, in the hope that may spare someone else the same suffering.
Hello, Anna! As from one scarred Soldier to Another, …these ‘Scars’ have been given to us for a Reason. Because the Mind does NOT believe in words. It wants and verily Needs Models, Role Models, Examples, and that is where the Scars become Witnesses.
But Forgive me for mouthing these words. Am Sure You know all these things very well.
Much Love and Regards. 🙂
I have a little plaque at home that reads: “Wrinkles mean you laughed. Gray hair means you cared. Scars mean you lived.” We none of us escape this life without scars. But if they have been earned in the battle against monsters, scars are badges of honor. Much love, dear friend. ❤
Your words are Wisdom and Treasure, my Dear Anna, my Friend. I save them and Enjoy them! Thank You, and Much Love to You, too! 🙂
That means a great deal to me, Swami. God bless you. ❤
It is so true that God values every life. He is no respecter of persons. It seems that some form of additional counseling or admonition is required when bringing abuse victims to the love of Christ. Thank you for sharing this, Anna. Remain blessed.❤
God bless you, as well, Gbolabo. ❤
This is sign of true humanity and your mission is great and enlightenment of others. You are honest followers of Jesus.My quote too refer same thing. We are living in the society of”The WasteLand”. Honestly only few are sensitive for others. You are feeling the pains and sufferings of abuse-victims so you express it for us.We are busy in celebration of high profile marriages.You are true saint that’s why people will support you.Lovely Anna 💖💖
You bring tears to my eyes, Rachana. ❤ ❤ ❤
You teach us humanity .I think your tears must be expression of happiness and content.God will always behind you and your inspiration👍👍