When God’s name is twisted to make you doubt yourself, the wound is deep — but His truth is steady, His presence unwavering.
When God’s name is twisted to sow doubt, His truth holds steady. Week 2 of Tending Wounds Tuesday names religious gaslighting and invites gentle healing.
Whether you’d like to watch or read today, this space offers both — choose the path that feels most restful for you.
Watch Here:
Welcome to Tending Wounds Tuesday – Week 2: Religious Gaslighting
I’m so thankful you’re here. Language is powerful — it’s what brought me freedom after years of suffering under something I could not 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 will name one wound with compassion, bringing it into the presence of the real Jesus — the One who sees you, stays with you, and calls you worthy of gentle care.
Gentle Note Before We Begin:
I am not a clinician, and nothing here is meant as a diagnosis. I speak to you as a fellow survivor — someone who has walked through these same valleys and is still on the healing journey. The wounds we name in this series are here to give us language, to help us see what happened with clarity and compassion. They are not meant to box you in, but to open space for you to be understood. You may find it helpful to bring these named wounds to your own therapist, counselor, or trusted support, so you can process them more deeply with Jesus’s steady, healing presence.
The Wound: Religious Gaslighting
Religious gaslighting happens when God’s name, Scripture, or spiritual authority is used to distort your reality, make you question your memory, or frame harm as your fault. It undermines your sense of self and makes you doubt the truth you know.
It can sound like:
- “You’re remembering that wrong — that’s not what happened.”
- “If you really forgave, you wouldn’t still feel hurt.”
- “God wouldn’t want you to be angry about this.”
- “You’re overreacting — your feelings aren’t from God.”
- “If you trusted God more, you wouldn’t question us.”
The Truth:
The real Jesus never manipulates reality to control you. He never silences your memory or distorts your story to protect the powerful. His truth is steady, His love unconditional, and His presence unshakable. His words bring clarity, not confusion; peace, not pressure; light, not distortion.
A Gentle Reflection with Jesus:
As you sit here now, imagine Jesus beside you. His gaze is kind, steady, and safe. He is not rushing you to “get over it” or telling you your pain is too much. Instead, He affirms your reality and holds it with you. His words are gentle and honest. His light is warm, never glaring, and it surrounds you with peace. Let Him remind you: “What you experienced matters. I believe you. I will never twist the truth to harm you.”
Blessing for the Week:
Beautiful Soul, if you’ve ever been made to doubt your own mind or heart in God’s name, may you find rest in the truth of Jesus — the One who never gaslights, never distorts, and never abandons. 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 will bring into the light the wound of Scripture Weaponization — when God’s Word is twisted to shame, control, or wound, rather than to heal.
With Love,
Raya
The Gentle Rise 