I will never forget the first time that I confronted a verbally abusive husband during a counseling session. As with many authoritarian husbands, this particular man declared his harsh treatment of his wife to be his biblical duty—a perceived badge of honor. As with far… Continue Reading …
Before you go any further in this article, please answer this question. The reason I want you to do this is that your definitions of empathy and sympathy will describe who you are, how you think, and the kind of care you provide for others.… Continue Reading …
All abusive situations are complicated. There is no easy way to navigate through the many complexities of abusive relationships. But God does not leave us alone or without help. There are practical ways to think about and respond to these relational disappointments. You may want… Continue Reading …
Sometimes “extending grace” may mean you’re about to get into conflict. Though you should never look for a fight, you should also not be looking for ways to avoid soul care when it is within your competency and influence to help someone who is struggling.… Continue Reading …
I wrote this piece seven years ago, and I’m republishing it today with a few edits since the events of this sad saga continue to unfold. I was part of Sovereign Grace Ministries from 2003 to 2008, and four of those years, I served as… Continue Reading …
God has called the body of Christ to intervene when oppressive family relationships are in its midst. The church should be the safest place in the world for hurting people. You may want to read: A Short Prayer on Walking in the Spirit A Good… Continue Reading …
Spiritual abuse is a broad category in that it can encompass many different kinds of relationships, contexts, and situations. Wherever there is a two-tiered system of leaders and followers, spiritual abuse can happen. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts are on iTunes, Google Play, SoundCloud,… Continue Reading …
Some of the unsung heroes in the Christian community are foster parents. One of the most beautiful pictures of the gospel you’ll see are parents laying themselves on the line for the sake of a helpless child. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts are on… Continue Reading …
It takes grace, courage, faith, humility, patience, and a passion for wanting to grow in your walk with God. And though it’s a counterintuitive worldview, suffering is one of the primary means the Lord uses to mature us. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts are… Continue Reading …
Emotional abuse is real and painful. If ongoing, it can have a detrimental effect on your body and soul. Understanding emotional trauma biblically is vital. Listen to the podcast Our podcasts are on iTunes, Google Play, SoundCloud, TuneIn, or Stitcher. If you want to comment… Continue Reading …
