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Answer
Before discussing abuse, it is important to first define it. Abuse refers to the improper use of something that is inherently good. Substance abuse involves the misuse of medications that, when used correctly, can save and enhance lives. Abuse of power is the misuse of authority that has been ordained by God (Romans 13:1-2). When referring to the abuse of a human being, it means that an individual has not treated another person in the manner intended by God.
Abuse can manifest in various forms such as verbal, emotional, spiritual, physical, and sexual. Childhood abuse is particularly damaging as it significantly influences a child’s perception of the world. Childhood sexual abuse violates and distorts an individual’s sexuality and identity. It also represents a breach of trust, especially when the abuser is an adult whom the child trusted. Abuse impacts the victim’s self-esteem and often creates significant obstacles in future relationships.
However, there is hope for abuse survivors. God does not define us based on the abuse we have experienced. Instead, He sees us as His creations: unique individuals made in the image of God “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”, (Genesis 1:27). He is eager to restore us to fulfill the purpose for which He created us. Since God is our designer, He is the only one who can truly define us. No external factor, whether it be abuse, sin, mistakes, or tragedies, can alter the truth that God has declared about us. While we have the choice to reject His offer of restoration and eternal life (John 3:16-18), allowing God to work within us and surrendering to His love can bring forth beauty from the pain.
Recovering from past abuse is a challenging journey, but with faith, support, and self-care, it is possible to heal and move forward towards a brighter future.Similar, in some ways, to overcoming an addiction. Recovery involves a lifetime of maintaining wholeness. We can’t erase the memories, but we can render them powerless as we allow God to give us a new identity. True soul healing begins with a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the restorer of broken souls “He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”, (Psalm 23:3). Some abuse victims have a subconscious fear of God. They see Him as one more angry being who cannot be pleased. Recognizing that such a view stems from abuse, not truth, a victim can replace that mindset by developing an intimate friendship with Jesus. When we choose to allow His evaluation of us to override what the abuse told us, we are on the way to total freedom.
Second Corinthians 5:17 says that those who are “in Christ” are new creatures. The old is gone, and all things are being made new. Abuse victims often feel that they are damaged goods, especially in cases of rape or molestation. Victims feel dirty and imagine that God sees them that way, too. They may even harbor deep hatred for the younger version of themselves that allowed such victimization to occur. But God’s Word says that we are all broken and dirty in some form “as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”, (Romans 3:10,23) “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”, (Romans 3:10,23). If His evaluation of us depended upon our being whole and presentable, no one would make the cut. Salvation through faith in Christ gives us a fresh start. He takes all that abuse upon Himself and pays for it. In exchange, He gives us His righteousness, His life, and His name (2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:3-7).
Survivors of abuse feel hopeless when they believe the falsehood that the abuse determines their worth. Particularly if the abuse persisted throughout their childhood, victims grow up accepting Satan’s assessment of their value and his predictions about their future. It takes time to realize that everything they have accepted as true about themselves is actually false. This introspection should be undertaken with a qualified biblical counselor. A knowledgeable counselor can assist a victim in acknowledging the significant damage that was inflicted and help them view it in the context of God’s truth. The victim can then learn to pardon the abusers just as God has pardoned them «and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.», (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness releases a victim from persistent pain and disgrace. It enables them to discover how to love and trust once more. Numerous survivors of abuse have discovered hope and renewal by immersing themselves in their new identity and allowing Jesus to shape their futures.
Only God can take the powerlessness of past abuse and turn it into a foundation for future ministry. God assures us that all things, even the distressing occurrences of the past, will collaborate for good when we love Him and seek His purpose for our lives «And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. », (Romans 8:28). He invites all victims to shed the label of “victimhood” and learn to perceive themselves as “clothed with strength and dignity” «Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come. », (Proverbs 31:25). The healing process commences when we surrender it all to God and release it.
