Advice When Facing Spiritual Abuse

A pastor friend who has had to face the kind of church situation I write about in my Controlling Personalities in the Church series shares his wise advice for others who think they may be facing this too common problem.

Advice When Facing Spiritual Authority Abuse

by the Rev. Reed DePace, PCA

I found myself in an impossible position. A man in spiritual leadership, a man I looked up to for his wisdom, commitment and integrity, was asking me to defend him.

Now, I've defended people before. I recognize that in appropriate circumstances, such is the proper response for those who love the Lord and His righteousness.  At times, a shepherd is responsible to defend sheep from attacks. Yet this time ...

This time I didn't agree that this man had been attacked. In fact, I thought he was the one doing the attacking. His idea of defending him was to join him in spreading innuendo laden comments about others who confronted him. To defend my friend, I was being told I needed to participate in slanderous gossip about others.

My friend was telling me that the right thing, the godly thing for me to do was to defend him against those who would call him on his sin. He made it clear, If I didn't do this I would prove myself to be one of those unjust, evil men who were wickedly going after him.

Of course I couldn't do this. And when I went to him, to urge a friend to consider his ways, I was attacked.

The pressure I felt, the confusion, the self-doubt, the hurt and anguish. And through it all, the still, small voice of the Spirit whispering through the Bible continued calling me rest in my Redeemer.

I did. I lost my friend. I was attacked. I was drawn closer by Christ to His side. I was taught to rejoice while I wept. I was blessed.

I still love my friend. I still long for the Spirit to convict him that he might be restored. I also learned how to face such circumstances next time in greater faith and confidence.

Maybe what I learned can help you.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY to love to one another requires helping one another with shortcomings:

    John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

    Romans 13:8 - Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

    Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

    1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 - And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

    1 John 3:14-15 - We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

No other motive will justify sharing with you the remaining information.

BEING ABOVE REPROACH -  Pastor's are required to be above reproach:

    1 Timothy 3:2 - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, ...

a. "Above reproach" does not mean free from sin, as this is impossible

    1 John 1:8 - If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

b. "Above reproach" does not ignore sin, as this is pointless

    Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

c. "Above reproach" is a measurement of how well a man demonstrates Christlikeness in his observable conduct:

    Titus 1:7a - For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach.

• Un-Christlikeness, deeds of the flesh, must not be present:

    Titus 1:7b - He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

    Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

• Christlikeness, fruit of the Spirit, must be present:

    Titus 1:8-9 - but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

    Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

d.  "Above reproach" means that pastors are held to a standard "above" what is expected for the average Christian:

    1 Corinthians 4:2 - Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

    2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

    Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

    James 3:1 - Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

    Matthew 13:8 - Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

    John 15:8 - By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
This is a critical biblical standard by which a pastor's ministry is to be assessed.

RESPONSE WHEN CONFRONTED: The concern is not with faults or weaknesses, however inconsequential or significant these may be; rather the real point of concern is how one responds when approached, or confronted with observations of failings or weaknesses.

a. Holding a sincere conviction that others have acted to harm one does not justify worldly responses (i.e., response which are fleshly, rooted in the "old man," sin oriented way of life).

b. When there is no evidence that others have overtly or initiatively acted to harm one, such worldly responses represent a serious challenge to a pastor being above reproach.

c. Examples of  worldly responses which are condemned by Scripture include:

    Romans 13:14 - But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

    Colossians 3:12 - Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

• Assuming victim status, injudiciously "defending" oneself:

    Isaiah 8:12-13 - Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the LORD of hosts, him you shall regard as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

    Luke 6:28 - bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

    1 Corinthians 4:12 - and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

    Proverbs 29:11 - A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

    Philippians 2:5 - Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

    Romans 15:3 - For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."

• Speculating on others' motives:

    Proverbs 18:13 - If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

    Proverbs 18:17 - The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

    John 7:24 - Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

    1 Corinthians 13:7 - Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

• Jumping to unproven conclusions harmful to others reputations:

    Proverbs 11:13 - Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

    Proverbs 17:9 - Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

    Proverbs 26:20 - For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

    1 Corinthians 4:5 - Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

    2 Corinthians 4:2 - But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

    Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

• Broadly denying any culpability:

    Proverbs 20:9 - Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"?

    Proverbs 28:13 - Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

    Matthew 23:25 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

• Obfuscating the issues:

    Proverbs 26:24-25 - Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart;

    2 Corinthians 1:12 - For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

    1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 - For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed- God is witness.

• Attacking the confronter:

    Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

    Proverbs 20:22 - Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

    Romans 12:17-19 - Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

    1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

    1 Peter 2:23; 3:9, 16 - When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. ... Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. ... yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

A man in spiritual authority whose behavior is characterized by such things is guilty of abusing others; he is guilty of spiritual authority abuse.

ABOVE REPROACH STATUS CHALLENGED - when any (or all) of these worldly responses are the normal (routine, regular) pattern of a [man in a position of spiritual authority] pastor's behavior, at the very least these present a challenge to his "above reproach" status.

a. They challenge him in that he is called to a higher standard:

    2 Timothy 2:24-25 - And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

    1 Timothy 3:2-3 - Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, ... not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,

    James 3:14-17 - But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

b. They challenge him in that he is called to be an example for the sheep to emulate in their Christian life:

    Philippians 2:5-8 - Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

    1 John 2:6 - whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

    1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

    Philippians 3:17 - Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

    Hebrews 6:12 - so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY - if a friend has come to you and asked for your help in confronting a man in spiritual authority whom he believes is guilty of spiritual authority abuse:

a. You may not believe this is accurate and fair (i.e., no evidence that a pastor is not "above reproach").

b. You may believe this is partially accurate, but nevertheless not fair (i.e., evidence of failings does not rise to the level of challenging a pastor's above reproach status).

c. Accordingly, you believe God would have you continue to serve alongside a pastor.

d. If so, you are nevertheless accountable:

• To God for how you love your brother who does think the pastor is guilty of this charge

    1 John 4:20 - If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

• To your pastor, for challenging him when you see any of these behaviors present

    1 John 3:10 - By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

• To others, for the pastor's shepherding of them when he fails to meet the "above reproach" standard

    Ephesians 4:2-3 - with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

A WORD OF CAUTION - others who consistently demonstrate these worldly responses are often fundamentally manipulative in their relationships. What would God have you do if you see any of the following behaviors?

Covert Intimidation - private, most often one on one verbal attacks and bullying. Uses hyperbolic and excessive, belittling and demeaning language to describe the actions and motives of an opponent with the intention of squelching their opposition.

Deception - using facts in a manner that presents a picture not consistent with the actual events. Other participants in the events in question will consistently say that the person has taken things out of context, imputed false motives, or in other ways characterized the events in ways that are not true.

Deluding - excessive charm, praise, flattery or overtly supporting others in order to get them to surrender their trust and loyalty. Used often with emotionally needy and dependent individuals (either by character, or during personal tragedies).

Denial - refusal to admit having done something harmful or hurtful in the face of the evidence. Not primarily a "defense" but a maneuver to get others to back off, back down or maybe even feel guilty themselves for insinuating he's doing something wrong.

Diversion - when confronted, changes the subject, dodges the issue or in some way diverts the conversation to frivolous side issues. Avoidance of directly facing the issue, responding with dissembling comments intended to switch the focus off inappropriate behavior.

Double Standards - holding one's opponents to stringent ethical behavior standards, while  offering ambiguous and baseless explanations as to why the same standards do not apply to oneself. The intention is make inappropriate and immoral behavior appear just and right.

Flattering - offering unfounded compliments with the intention of securing the receiver's admiration and trust. Used especially when meeting new people. In mixed gender situations, often borders on/ becomes flirtation.

Guilt-tripping - using the conscientiousness of another party to assert control over them. Suggesting that the other party is in the wrong with the intention of putting them on the defensive.

Inventive Lying - offering brash re-construction of circumstances and events in which the other parties are characterized as guilty of heinous offenses and maintain one's innocence. Often expressed in other forms (e.g., denial, diversion, minimization, playing the victim, rationalization, etc.).

Minimization - asserting that inappropriate behavior isn't really as harmful or irresponsible as someone else may be claiming. Often coupled with rationalization, this is used to "make a molehill out of a mountain."

Playing the Servant Role - pretense of working tirelessly and thanklessly in the service of others. Used to conceal ambition, desire for power, and quest for a position of dominance over others.

Playing the Victim - portraying oneself as an innocent victim of circumstances or someone else's behavior in order to gain sympathy, evoke compassion and thereby get something from another. All opponents are described as ruthless, uncaring individuals whose only motive is to destroy the person.

Projecting Blame - shifting blame for aggressive behavior onto opponents. Usually the accusations against the opponents are mirror reflections of the inappropriate behavior of the person (i.e., they blame the other party for the exact thing they themselves are guilty of).

Rationalization - an explanation or justification offered for engaging in an inappropriate or harmful behavior. Explanation or justification makes just enough sense that it is likely to be accepted without verification of the facts. In that the facts are different from the explanation, this is a form of lying.

Selective Inattention - actively ignoring the warnings, pleas or wishes of others, and in general, a refusal to pay attention to everything and anything that might distract them from pursuing their own agenda. Actively resisting submitting himself to the tasks of paying attention to or refraining from the inappropriate behavior.

Shaming - using subtle sarcasm and put-downs as a means of increasing fear and self-doubt in others. Used to foster a continued sense of personal inadequacy in the weaker party, thereby allowing the person to maintain a position of dominance.

Surrogate Attacks - recruiting, inciting and equipping uninvolved parties to willingly attack one's opponents. The surrogate is led to believe that they are engaging in a righteous defense of the person recruiting them, when in reality he is participating in a slander based immoral assault on an innocent person.

Turning the Table - using the arguments of one's confronter to construct a spurious counter-accusation against the confronter . Used to keep the confronter off balance, and put him the on the defensive, thereby deflecting the initial accusation, and evoking self-doubt in the confronter.

Vilifying the Victim - aggressively and unsubstantiated attacks against an opponent, presented as merely a reasonable defense against the unjust actions of the opponent. Frequently used in conjunction with the tactic of playing the victim.

A WORD OF ADVICE - if you find yourself facing a pastor who demonstrates some of these worldly consistent responses, trust in God's promises by responding properly yourself.

a. If the pastor's offense is private, with another concerned member, go to him privately and humbly, urging him to consider a need for repentance.

    1 Timothy 5:19 - Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

    Matthew 18:15 - If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

b. If the pastor refuses your admonition, or his offense is public, do not discuss your concerns broadly with others

    Romans 1:29 - They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,

    1 Peter 4:15 - But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

c. Rather take your concerns to another minister and seek his help in assisting the pastor to consider a need for repentance (Gal 6:2; Heb 13:17)

    Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

    Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

d. Finally, if the pastor refuses to consider a need for repentance, reluctantly and humbly walk away and do not continue to associate with the man

    Proverbs 20:19 - Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

    Romans 16:17-20 - I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    Matthew 7:6, 15-20 - Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. ... Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

    1 John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

    2 Timothy 3:2-4 - For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

    Titus 3:10-11 - As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

    Proverbs 9:7-8 - Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

A WORD OF WARNING - do not think that the Scripture requires you to woodenly, dogmatically, exclusively follow the pattern of confrontation outlined in Matthew 18:15 ff. Other Scriptural admonitions must inform, balance and shape your response to someone you believe is guilty of spiritual authority abuse.

a. Confronting someone you believe is guilty of  spiritual authority abuse may be dangerous

    Proverbs 9:7-8 - Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

    Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of false prophets [those in positions of spiritual authority], who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.  You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.  A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

b. In principle there is no absolute requirement to confront the offender; there are some circumstances in which you are commanded to not confront

    Proverbs 14:7 - Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

    1 Corinthians 5:11 -  But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler- not even to eat with such a one.

c. It is perfectly righteous to avoid someone whom you believe is guilty of spiritual authority abuse

    Romans 16:17 -  I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

    2 Timothy 3:2-5 -  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

d. If this person has been confronted by others and has rejected their efforts, you may be biblically obligated to refuse any efforts on your part to also confront them

    Proverbs 22:10 - Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.

    Titus 3:10-11 - As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,  knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

e. It is biblically wise to assess whether or not your are spiritually mature enough to confront one guilty of spiritual authority abuse, and to not do so if you believe you are not so mature

    Galatians 6:1 - Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

f. If you believe you are too spiritually weak to confront the abuser, then Christ would have you do two things

• Get away

    Proverbs 14:7 - Leave the presence of a fool, ...

    1 Corinthians 5:11 - ... [do] not to associate with ...

    2 Timothy 3: 5 -  ... Avoid such people.

    Titus 3:10  - ... have nothing more to do with him, ...

• Pray

    Luke 6:28 - bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

A WORD OF HOPE - it is all too common for people who have experience the abuse of a person in spiritual authority to struggle with doubts about themselves. Consider the hope found in the gospel:

a. You may very well have sinned in your efforts to respond properly to these things.

    Psalm 4:4 - Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah (pause and reflect)

b. Do not deny, explain away, justify or rationalize even the smallest offense on your part

     1 John 1:8 - If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

c. Rather express your faith by practicing repentance

    1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

d. Remember God's love Christ for you is not thwart-able by anything or anyone

    Romans 8:13-39 - What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died- more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

e. Walk with a fear that causes you to cling to God who loves and forgives you

    Philippians 2:12 - Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

f. Be assured that it is this God who is at work in you

    Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

g. Rest confidently that it is His intention to perfect you in the image of His Son, full of joy and full of grace

    Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Comments

[Sarah Joy Albrecht]

May I copy this post (with credit to WG and to Rev. DePace) in its entirety to my blog? (http://www.sarahjoyalbrecht.com)

[anonymous]

yes. . but what about PKs? What if the spiritual abuser is the father? If he has not committed any other type of abuse, many PKs that object are labeled as ungrateful and rebellious children (even if they have not rejected the faith, but gone to a "not approved of,(despite having fraternal relations)" church.

[Ron Evans]

Hey Reed! How's it going?

Ron