Bible Verse or Red Flag
This phrase—“children obey your parents”—is used to silence kids instead of encouraging this.
(What is mutual respect or listening?)
“If you really loved God, you would…” is trying to do this to you.
(What is guilt or pressure you?)
Teens are often told “don’t doubt” when they try to do this.
(What is explore or understand their faith?)
Making someone question their reality or feelings is called this.
(What is gaslighting?)
In a safe church, you're allowed to ask these.
(What are questions?)
“Your heart is evil” is often said to shut down this healthy part of you.
(What is emotion or intuition?)
“You’re being attacked by Satan” is said when you’re actually doing this.
(What is thinking for yourself or asking questions?)
Leaders may call this kind of thinking “rebellion,” even though it’s part of maturing.
(What is critical thinking?)
This kind of abuse uses Scripture or faith to control someone.
(What is spiritual abuse?)
Feeling confused, hurt, or unsure isn’t a sign of rebellion—it’s part of this.
(What is growth or processing?)
“God disciplines those He loves” is sometimes used to excuse this.
(What is harsh treatment or verbal abuse?)
“God told me to tell you…” without your consent is a red flag for this.
(What is spiritual manipulation?)
That’s just the way it is” is a common answer used to shut down this.
(What is discussion or questions?)
When a leader says you’re the problem for speaking out, that’s a form of this. (What is blame-shifting?)
(What is blame-shifting?)
Healthy leaders make room for this instead of demanding silence.
(What is feedback or truth?)
Romans 8:28 is used to rush people to this instead of sitting with their pain.
(What is positivity or “God’s plan” talk?)
“You’re too emotional” is used to ignore this important part of you.
(What is your experience or feelings?)
Being told “you’re being divisive” just for doing this.
(What is speaking up or noticing a problem?)
When someone pretends to care about you just to control you, it’s this.
(What is manipulation?)
People recovering from spiritual harm often need this kind of support.
(What is therapy or a safe community?)
Saying “touch not God’s anointed” is used to avoid this.
(What is accountability for leaders?)
“You need more faith” is often said instead of offering this.
(What is real help or support?)
The phrase “lean not on your own understanding” is misused to make you ignore this.
(What is your reasoning or brain?)
Telling someone to "forgive and move on" without addressing the harm is skipping this.
(What is accountability or real healing?)
Learning to rebuild your beliefs and values in a healthy way is called this.
(What is deconstruction or healing?)