When the Church Feels Unsafe

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

—Hebrews 4:15

DEVO:

Recovery is already hard. But what happens when the place you hoped would help you heal—the Church—becomes the place that wounds you most?

Many believers in recovery walk into church desperate for community, grace, and hope, only to be met with whispers, side glances, and silence. Instead of finding a hospital for the broken, they find what feels more like a courtroom.

If this has been your experience, hear this clearly: Jesus did not wound you—people did. People can misrepresent Him, but that doesn’t change who He truly is. Jesus welcomed the broken, the addicted, the ashamed. He sat with sinners and touched the untouchables. He never demanded perfection before offering love.

The Church is called to be His Body, but not every church reflects His heart. Some are still growing, still learning, and yes—some are prideful and judgmental. That doesn’t excuse the harm, but it does remind us: we follow Christ, not flawed humans.

And though the rejection stings, your past does not disqualify you. You belong in the Body of Christ. In fact, your story may be the very thing God uses to set others free.

There are churches out there that will welcome you with open arms—where grace is not just preached but practiced. And until you find one, hold fast to this truth: Jesus is still your safe place. His arms are still open. He is not ashamed of your recovery. He’s proud of your progress.

SCRIPTURES FOR MEDITATION:

Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”

John 8:7 — “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

1 Corinthians 6:11 — “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified…”

James 2:13 — “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy…”

Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart…”

TODAY'S GOAL:

Ask the Lord to help you separate His love from people’s rejection. Pray for healing from church hurt, and consider whether God is leading you to try again—either to seek a healthier fellowship or to be part of changing one from the inside out.

INTROSPECTION & JOURNALING

1. How have I confused my hurt from the church with God’s feelings toward me?

2. What do I believe Jesus sees when He looks at me in recovery?

3. How have I let bitterness from spiritual rejection keep me from growing in faith?

4. What kind of church culture do I long to be part of, and how could I help create it?

PRAYER:

Abba Father, I’ve been hurt in the very place I hoped to be healed. I’ve walked into churches and felt more judged than loved. But I know You are not like that. You sat with the broken. You welcomed the outcast. You never turned away someone who came to You in need. Heal the wounds religion has left in me. Remind me that I still belong to You—and that Your grace is not limited by people’s opinions. Lead me to a place where I can grow in truth and love, and help me be a vessel of compassion for others on this same road. In Jesus' name, amen.