Diane Langberg - Suffering and the Heart of God

Based on the work of Diane Langberg, today we examine the intersection of clinical psychology and Christian ministry regarding the recovery from spiritual abuse and trauma. Langberg argues that religious institutions frequently fail survivors by prioritising their own reputations over the protection and healing of the wounded. To combat this, the church must acknowledge the reality of evil and abuse without resorting to superficial solutions or forced forgiveness. True restoration is found when caregivers embody the compassion of Christ, offering a patient presence that reflects God’s own proximity to suffering. Ultimately, the text defines the care of the traumatised and spiritually abused as a sacred mission that requires bringing truth into the light to transform scars into a story of redemption in Jesus Christ.