He Heals the Brokenhearted

Dear Friend,

There are people sitting in our churches every week carrying invisible wounds.

Some are children. Some are teens. Many are adults who have never told their story—not because they didn’t want healing, but because they never felt safe enough to share. As Christians, we’re often quick to talk about forgiveness. But for survivors of sexual abuse, healing is a journey. It’s not just about moving on—it’s about being seen, heard, and gently walked back to wholeness.

And they’re watching how we respond.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

Healing doesn’t happen in shame. It happens in safe places—and we are called to be those places.

Many survivors have shared things like:

• “No one believed me.”

• “I was told to forgive and forget.”

• “The person who hurt me was protected—while I was left to deal with the damage.”

When someone finally has the courage to open up, what they need most is presence, not pressure. Someone who listens. Someone who reflects Jesus in how they respond.

Here’s What You Can Do:

1. Believe them.

Even if you can’t verify every detail, your posture of trust helps lift the weight of shame.

2. Don’t minimize or spiritualize their pain.

Avoid phrases like, “It’s in the past now,” or “God works all things for good,” too early in the conversation.

3. Walk with them, not ahead of them.

Every survivor’s healing pace is different. Be patient and steady. Let them lead their own process.

4. Encourage support.

Help them find a trauma-informed counselor, healing group, or pastor who can walk with them long-term.

5. Let them know God is not ashamed of their story.

Abuse is never the survivor’s fault. Their worth and dignity remain untouched in God’s eyes.

What If You Are the Survivor?

If you’ve experienced abuse and this series stirred something in your heart, I want you to hear this:

You are not broken.

You are not what happened to you.

You are God’s beloved—and He wants to restore every piece of your heart.

There is no shame in your healing journey.

And you don’t have to walk it alone.

Let’s Pray:

“Jesus, make me a safe place. Teach me to love without judgment and to listen without rushing. For those who carry the weight of abuse, I pray Your healing would begin today. Use me to reflect Your kindness, Your gentleness, and Your strength. May our homes and churches become havens of restoration. Amen.”

Friend, the Church was never meant to be a place where wounds are hidden. It’s meant to be a place where healing is found.

Let’s be that place—together.

With hope,

Explicit Movement Staff