In Week 1 of Tending Wounds Tuesday, we name the wound of spiritual abuse and bring it into the gentle presence of the real Jesus, whose voice is kind, whose hands heal, and whose love is never conditional.
You are welcome here — whether you’d like to watch or read today, this space offers both. Choose the path that feels most restful for you, and let His Presence meet you right where you are.
In case you would like to watch:
Welcome to Tending Wounds Tuesday – Week 1: Spiritual Abuse
I’m so thankful you’re here. Language is powerful — it’s what brought me freedom after many years of suffering under something I couldn’t name. When I finally found the words, the fog began to lift. And I want the same for you. Each week in this series, we’ll name one wound with compassion and bring it into the presence of the real Jesus — the One who sees you, stays with you, and calls you worthy of gentle care.
We’re starting with twelve weeks on religious trauma — naming a different wound each week. But this is just the first part of the journey. Over the year, we’ll also be tending wounds from toxic family systems, from narcissistic institutions, and from complex PTSD. So if religious trauma isn’t your story, there’s still a place for you here — we will get to the wounds that might speak more directly to your life.
A gentle note before we begin…
I’m not a clinician, and nothing here is meant as a diagnosis. I’m speaking to you as a fellow survivor — someone who’s walked through these same valleys and is still on the healing journey.
The wounds we name here aren’t meant to box you in — they’re meant to give you language and clarity.
If something I share resonates, I encourage you to bring it to your own therapist, counselor, or trusted support so you can process it more deeply with Jesus’s steady, healing presence.
This week’s wound: Spiritual Abuse
Spiritual abuse happens when religious language, Scripture, or spiritual authority is used to control, shame, or harm.
It can sound like:
- “You just need to submit.”
- “Forgive and forget — or you’re not being Christlike.”
- “If you left this church, you left God.”
- “Your anxiety means you’re losing the spiritual battle.”
- “If you had more faith, you wouldn’t still be struggling.”
This kind of harm turns trauma responses — things like panic, depression, dissociation — into accusations. It can make you feel like your very human survival instincts are a spiritual failure. And it’s dangerous, because it stamps God’s name on someone else’s control.
Here’s the truth.
The real Jesus never manipulated anyone to keep them near. He never threatened love, never twisted Scripture to protect abusers, never silenced the hurting to keep up appearances.
When He speaks, His voice is steady and full of kindness. His words bring life, not fear. His tone is steady, full of love, and never conditional.
His hands bring healing, not harm. His light rests gently, wrapping you in warmth. His water is living, washing away the residue of fear.
A gentle reflection with Jesus.
If it feels safe, take a slow breath and picture Jesus with you here, in this moment.
If you’ve been carrying heavy words spoken “in God’s name,” imagine Him gently taking them from your hands and replacing them with His own words of truth and love.
Notice what changes in your body as you let His presence surround you.
Blessing for the week.
Beautiful Soul, your wound is not too messy for Him. Your questions are not too loud. Your anger is not a barrier to His presence.
May you feel the difference between His voice and theirs.
May you remember — always — you are seen by Jesus, safe with Jesus, and deeply loved by Jesus.
Go in peace, and may His peace go with you.
Next Week on Tending Wounds Tuesday:
We’ll talk about Religious Gaslighting — when God’s name is used to twist reality, make you doubt your memory, or frame harm as your fault. We’ll place it in the hands of Jesus, who tells the truth without fear and restores clarity to the soul.
If you would like to hear a gentle reading of today’s Tending Wounds, you can listen to me with the gentle sound of water while I water my plants here:
With Love,
Raya
The Gentle Rise 