“Powerless.” No word better describes the way a victim feels . . . and rightfully so! But that feeling can continue long after the abuse has stopped, creeping into relationships, destroying true intimacy, and leaving the victim trapped in an imaginary prison. If you once suffered from abuse but still feel helpless, you may suffer from a victim mentality or a type of thinking that makes you a “peace-at-all-costs” type of person. You might call it being a “people pleaser,” someone who likes keeping others happy. But if doing so prevents you from being your true self or prevents you from ending a dangerous relationship, you’re not being a peacemaker. You’re allowing yourself to be a victim.

Don’t let the victim mentality paralyze your heart. God offers a freedom that lasts forever! In Him, you have the power to stop living as a victim and start living as the person He created you to be . . . His precious child, redeemed and set free!