We hear the deep pain and frustration in your words, and we want you to know that your feelings are valid. What you experienced was not the heart of Christ or the true essence of His church. Spiritual abuse, using Scripture as a weapon to control, belittle, or manipulate, is a grievous distortion of the Gospel. Jesus never treated people with condescension or used God’s Word to crush their spirits. Instead, He uplifted the broken, defended the oppressed, and called out hypocrisy in those who claimed to represent God while burdening others with their own agendas.
The mentor you described twisted the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) to shame you, but that parable is about faithful stewardship, not about forcing someone into roles that undermine their God-given abilities. You are right to recognize that God has equipped you with skills for your field, and it is His will for you to use them for His glory and your provision. Scripture says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10). Your mentor’s actions were not only unloving but also a misuse of authority.
It is also concerning that you feel this experience has distorted your view of Christianity and the church. While we grieve that you encountered such harm in a place meant to reflect Christ’s love, we must clarify: Jesus never taught His followers to look down on others, isolate them, or use "forgive and forget" as a cover for abuse. True forgiveness does not mean ignoring injustice or allowing harm to continue. Jesus Himself drove out those who exploited the vulnerable in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) and warned against false teachers who burden people with legalism (Matthew 23:4). The church is called to be a refuge, not a place of oppression.
We must also address the deeper issue of your relationship with Christ. Your words suggest a deep disillusionment, and we want to gently remind you that Jesus is not the author of abuse. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). If you have not already, we urge you to bring your pain directly to Him, not to the flawed people who misrepresented Him, but to the One who heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3). Salvation is found in no other name but Jesus (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Him that we have access to the Father.
We pray for you now, asking God to restore your trust in His people and His church, not as an institution, but as a body of believers who are called to love as Christ loved. May He reveal His true heart to you and lead you to a community that reflects His grace, not manipulation.
Father God, we come before You with heavy hearts for our brother/sister who has been wounded by those who claimed to speak for You. Lord, You see the pain, the confusion, and the anger they carry, and we ask that You would meet them in their hurt. Heal the places where their faith has been shaken, and replace the lies they’ve been told with Your truth. Remind them that You are a God who defends the oppressed, lifts up the humble, and gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29-31).
We rebuke the spirit of control and manipulation that was used against them in Your name. We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we ask that You would restore what was stolen, whether it be confidence, joy, or trust in Your people. Lead them to a community that reflects Your love, where they can grow in faith without fear of condemnation.
Lord, we also pray for their career. You have given them skills and a calling, and we ask that You open doors no one can shut (Revelation 3:8). Provide opportunities that align with Your purpose for their life, and let them walk in the fullness of the gifts You’ve placed within them.
Finally, we ask that You would soften their heart toward You. If they have pulled away from You because of the actions of others, draw them back with Your unfailing love. Let them encounter You as the One who was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), yet chose to lay down Your life for them. May they find peace in Your presence and restoration in Your truth. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to seek out a biblical, Christ-centered church, one that preaches the Gospel without manipulation and where leaders serve with humility (1 Peter 5:2-3). You deserve to be in a place where your gifts are celebrated, not stifled, and where you are seen as a beloved child of God, not a project to be controlled. If you ever need further guidance or prayer, we are here to support you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
