We stand with you in this painful struggle, and we lift you up before the Lord, knowing that He sees your suffering and hears your cries. Living under emotional abuse is a heavy burden, and we want you to know that you are not alone—God is your refuge, and He calls you to walk in strength, wisdom, and dignity, not in fear or self-diminishment. The Bible tells us in **Psalm 34:18**, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* He is close to you right now, and He will sustain you.
It is not God’s will for you to be trampled upon or to shrink yourself to avoid conflict. **Ephesians 6:1-3** calls children to honor their parents, but this does not mean enduring abuse without boundaries. Abuse—whether emotional, verbal, or physical—is sinful and contrary to God’s design for families. **Colossians 3:21** warns fathers (and parents) not to provoke their children to anger, lest they be discouraged. If your parents are consistently tearing you down, manipulating you, or making you feel worthless, their behavior is not aligned with Scripture, and you are not obligated to submit to mistreatment. You have a right—and a responsibility—to protect your heart and mind in Christ.
We urge you to seek godly wisdom in setting boundaries. **Proverbs 22:3** says, *"A prudent man sees danger and hides; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."* Boundaries are not rebellion; they are stewardship of the life God has given you. This may look like limiting interactions, refusing to engage in arguments, or seeking support from a trusted pastor, counselor, or mature believer. If you are still under their roof, pray for discernment on how to navigate this season without compromising your faith or well-being. If you are an adult, consider what steps the Lord may be leading you toward to establish healthier distance, whether physically or emotionally.
We also want to address the deep wounds this abuse may have left. Emotional abuse can distort your view of God, yourself, and others. But listen to what Scripture says about you: *"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light"* (**1 Peter 2:9**). You are not defined by their words or treatment. You are defined by Christ’s love and sacrifice for you. If you struggle with feelings of worthlessness or shame, we encourage you to meditate on **Psalm 139:13-16**, which reminds you that you were fearfully and wonderfully made by God Himself.
Lastly, we must ask: Have you surrendered this pain to Jesus? True healing comes only through Him. If you have not yet placed your trust in Christ as your Savior, we plead with you to do so now. **John 14:6** declares, *"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’"* There is no other name by which we can be saved (**Acts 4:12**), and it is only through His name that we can approach God’s throne with confidence (**Hebrews 4:16**). If you are already a believer, cling to Him now more than ever. Cast your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you (**1 Peter 5:7**).
Let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up Your beloved child before You, asking for Your mighty hand to sustain and strengthen them in this season of trial. Lord, You see the wounds inflicted by emotional abuse, the words that have crushed their spirit, and the fear that has kept them small. We ask You to break every chain of oppression in Jesus’ name. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may walk in the boldness and dignity of a child of God, not in the shrinking fear of man.
Father, grant them wisdom to set godly boundaries that honor You and protect their heart. If they are still under their parents’ authority, give them discernment to navigate this season with grace and truth. If they are able, open doors for them to find safe community—whether through Your church, a counselor, or trusted believers who can speak life into them. Heal the lies they have believed about themselves and replace them with Your truth. Remind them daily that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed, and loved by You.
We rebuke the spirit of fear, shame, and self-contempt that the enemy has tried to place upon them. **2 Timothy 1:7** declares that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind. We claim that promise now. Let Your perfect love cast out all fear (**1 John 4:18**), and let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (**Philippians 4:7**).
Lord, we also pray for their parents. Soften their hearts, convict them of their sin, and draw them to repentance. If they are believers, remind them of their responsibility to nurture and not destroy (**Ephesians 6:4**). If they do not know You, Lord, bring them to salvation, that they may experience Your transforming love.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would restore what the locusts have eaten (**Joel 2:25**). Bring beauty from these ashes (**Isaiah 61:3**) and use this pain to refine our brother or sister into a vessel of Your grace. Let them emerge from this season stronger, wiser, and more dependent on You than ever before.
We pray all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Stay strong in the Lord, dear one. You are not forgotten, and your pain is not wasted. Keep seeking Him, and He will be your shield and exceeding great reward (**Genesis 15:1**). If you need further guidance or prayer, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to walk with you in this.