Words of Grace from the Bible

[Reg]

It has been my experience that many who have suffered SA have trouble reading the Bible again because it has been used as a tool/weapon by the abusers to control them. It is a trigger that they avoid. Yet, in it are the words of life. They should be a comfort to us, not a negative trigger.
Ro 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and "comfort of the Scriptures" might have hope.

To re-engage with reading and studying the Bible can help us recover from our mistrust of God. That is the source of help that we need the most to recover. God's grace is a difficult thing to grasp and believe in again. Yet that is what we need most. Here is a link that will help us do that.

Words of Grace from the Bible

These Words of grace clear away distorted images of God. Jeff VanVonderen says, "In recovery from spiritual abuse, it is really important to give ourselves room to have little bits of faith." One way is to take scripture in little bits, focusing on the promises that are sure and true for every believer, instead of the exhortations and warnings that are intended for specific audiences. To avoid triggers from the King James Bible various modern translations and paraphrases are used, as well as renderings from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (online at Crosswalk), and W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (online at Tim Greenwood Ministries -- scroll down).
http://www.geftakysassembly.com/Reflections/Light.htm

[Catie]

Oh, this is lovely. Very gentle, very kind verses. I will bookmark these. Thank you for sharing.

[Gizmo]

Hi, I am having a hard time getting my bearings around here. Reg I don't know if you remember me. My name is Autumn. You are an inspiration. How long have you been in this group? I am glad I am back. I will learn this all over again. Thanks for being you. Autumn

[KSM]

Oh, thank you for bringing this back up, Autumn. I hadn't seen this post before and have been wanting to do a study on the "blessing" verses of the bible--salutations and closes of Epistles, things that are positive and offer hope and encouragement. A lot seem to be in this link! Thanks again, and good to see you here.

[FoundInGrace]

they are good words

[ex-shep]

I have never seen the post. Thanks for bringing it forward. It a great read. Trusting the bible again after an abusive group is tough going. It is hard to separate the twisted scripture from legitimate inspiration and guidance.

I know one former member of a shepherding group who is today in a healthy church. He had to take a six month break from reading the bible and start all over again. The six months was time for the old group speak to fade out.

I have had to dip my feet one toe at a time. Thankfully I had quite a bit of involvement with evangelical cult research group during my group involvement. I learned to look at the triggering scriptures n context. Admittedly it took a few years before I finally stopped cringing.

We have tackled tough passages before. If anyone on the forum is up to it, I can throw out a couple of my "favorites". If anyone is triggered or uncomfortable, please feel free and post your discomfort. We have all been there, done that, seen it, and got the T shirt. (private messages off forum or a confidential email to a friend work fine too).

[Reg]

Originally Posted by Gizmo

Hi, I am having a hard time getting my bearings around here. Reg I don't know if you remember me. My name is Autumn. You are an inspiration. How long have you been in this group? I am glad I am back. I will learn this all over again. Thanks for being you. Autumn

Hi Autumn,

Back from my winter vacation. Sure I remember you. Thanks for your kind words. How long have I been here? Not exactly sure. I was here when the original group was started by Jeff. I think it must be around 2003. When I get some more time I'll try to catch up here. Notice you have written a number of posts.