People who have survived abuse often struggle with feelings of shame. They may feel like they somehow contributed to what happened to them. They often experience loneliness, and feel that they have no one who is a safe place to share these feelings with. Avoid saying that you understand what they're going through, especially if you have never had the experience. Instead, say "I can only imagine how you are feeling." They need compassion and support. Remind them that God sees them as He created them to be. Don't pity them, but rather respect them and empathize. Let them know their emotions are valid, and that it's important to recognize them (anger, fear, loneliness, shame, guilt, sadness) in order to heal. If they want you to pray for forgiveness, then include that in your prayer.

Possible Things to Pray for:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen them.
• Ask God to show them who they are in Christ.
• Pray against self-condemnation and self-hatred.
• Pray that they experience freedom from misplaced shame.
• Ask for them to experience God's peace and joy.
• Pray for the healing of their body and mind.

Verses to Share:

Psalm 9:9 NIV - The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 10:17 NIV - You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.

Matthew 11:28 NIV- Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Romans 8:35-39 NIV - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 4:13 NIV - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Psalm 147:3 NIV - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 26:3 NIV - You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Psalm 103:6 NIV - The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

Bible Plans

Experiencing Hope and Healing in a Fallen World - https://go2.lc/healingplan

Getting Past Your Past - https://go2.lc/past

Blog Posts:

Sexual Abuse Counseling Was Really Helpful - https://go2.lc/counselingblog

Dear Life - https://go2.lc/dearlife

Message Series:

When God Doesn’t Make Sense - https://go2.lc/survivor

Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt - https://go2.lc/neverhurtmessage

Helpful Songs: 

Another in the Fire by Hillsong United - https://go2.lc/anotherinthefire