"Spiritual PTSD"

 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event.  There are so many people who battle this disorder daily.  There is no doubt this is a real hardship for countless individuals who have faced unspeakable trauma.  When I think back over 27 years of ministry, I wonder if there are those who struggle with “Spiritual PTSD.”  You may be wondering if that is even a real condition.  Well, it certainly could be. 

          I have known plenty of good Christians over the years who have encountered a church affiliated-traumatic event.  The interesting thing is that these traumatic events are usually caused by some well-meaning brother or sister that truly believes their words or actions are necessary and needed.  From condescending comments to hurtful personal criticisms, these spiritual traumatic events come in all forms.  The problem is that these encounters do cause trauma to some and may even discourage them from attending worship in the future.  “Spiritual PTSD” can be any encounter with a Christian at the church building or anywhere else that is unpleasant, hurtful, confrontational, or discouraging.  If this encounter causes someone to avoid church assemblies, ministries, or functions in the future, you can be sure it was spiritually traumatic. 

          These things happen, I get it, I know they do.  I have listened to many hurting people over the years who were uncomfortable attending church because of a traumatic encounter.  That’s “Spiritual PTSD.”  So what do we do with this?  What can we do?  Do some brethren need to develop thicker skin and become tougher?  Would you feel that way about a war survivor or abuse survivor struggling with PTSD?  Absolutely not! 
          The way to avoid “Spiritual PTSD” is to be like Jesus.  “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 4:32-5:2).  If you have struggled with “Spiritual PTSD” and want to overcome it, try these few things.  First, forgive the person responsible for your spiritual trauma.  No matter how much they hurt you, forgive them.  Next, learn from the negative event and use it as a teaching opportunity for others.  Then, recognize that the negative behavior of the person doesn’t represent all Christians or God’s church.  Finally, know how loved you are by Jesus and His church and how essential it is for your own spiritual growth that you remain plugged into the church.