Hi Visionaries! As I welcome myself back from a very well deserved month long break, I invite to you continue to read with us. This week we will be talking about Gaslighting and emotional well being from the KJV version.
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where a person manipulates the truth to make you doubt your own perceptions. This cruel tactic can make you question your sanity and spiritual wellness. But what does the Bible say about deceitful manipulation and emotional well-being? In this post, we will explore the biblical perspective on gaslighting, and how to find solace and strength in the Word of God. you ready? Lets Go!
What is Gaslighting?
Gaslighting is the act of manipulating someone by psychological means into doubting their own sanity or perceptions. It’s a deliberate tactic used to gain control over another person. It’s a subtle form of emotional abuse that can wreak havoc on your mental and spiritual life. Some
specific examples can help people identify gaslighting more easily. Here are some examples:
- Denying Facts: One person denies they said or did something, even when there’s concrete evidence.
- Example: “I never said that, you must be imagining things.”
- Trivializing Feelings: The gaslighter minimizes the other person’s feelings or emotional response to their actions.
- Example: “You’re too sensitive; I was just joking.”
- Diverting the Discussion: The gaslighter changes the subject to divert attention away from their actions.
- Example: “We’re not talking about what I did; we’re talking about how you reacted.”
- Countering: The gaslighter questions the victim’s memory of events, even when the victim remembers them clearly.
- Example: “You never remember things correctly.”
- Withholding: The gaslighter refuses to listen, declines sharing their emotions, or avoids answering questions.
- Example: “I don’t have to listen to this nonsense.”
- Projecting: Accusing the victim of doing all the things the gaslighter is doing.
- Example: “You’re the one lying and manipulating here, not me.”
- Blame-Shifting: Instead of taking responsibility for their own behavior, the gaslighter blames the victim.
- Example: “I wouldn’t have done that if you hadn’t provoked me.”
- “Love Bombing”: Showering you with love and praise but only to manipulate you later. This is to make you question whether they would ever intentionally hurt you.
- Example: “You know how much I love you; why would I ever say something to harm you intentionally?”
- Confusing Statements: Making statements that are meant to confuse or create uncertainty.
- Example: “You think you’re going crazy.”
- False Promises: Making promises to change or improve, but never following through, thus creating a cycle of abuse.
- Example: “I’ll never do it again; you can trust me.”
*These all all numbered number one for the reason of all of these being important *
Recognizing these tactics is the first step in breaking free from a gaslighting situation. You can use examples in this blog post to get better insight and validate your experiences through self examination. Remember, God doesn’t give out confusion. Confusion doesn’t come from God. So if you desern someone is trying to confuse you deliberately, it’s probably the trick of the enemy to get you distracted from what God has for you. and you will be better served to take a mental pause and ask yourself, “ what is the truth about this situation?” . I know for me this has helped tremendously in deciphering the difference between the thoughts in my mind, and what someone is telling me or trying to get me to believe when I already know the truth or there is clear evidence of what the truth is. People are very crafty with words and some have a vernacular that will make your mind do mental gymnastics, To defeat this type of mental attack, one thing you can do is focus on the topic at hand. Do not allow the other person to change the subject or deflect from the point of the conversation. Stay on topic and tell yourself that you are only addressing “on-topic questions”.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
How Gaslighting Affects Relationships
Gaslighting can make you lose trust in your own judgement and can severely affect your relationships with others, and even your relationship with God.
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” – Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)
Gaslighting can be seen as the seventh thing; “sowing discord among others”. Taking this fact into account, you already know what it is. this comes with practice. And like anything you learn when the time arises you have to consciously make yourself aware that this is the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned here today. Another way that you could practice is to take account or have a reflection after the encounter. A reflection allows you to keep a record, and it gives you something to pray about when you go into your war closet to come up against whatever the person said that wasn’t the truth. Am I asking you to pray for the people that hurt you? Yes, this too (praying for the people that hurt you) creates an opportunity to forgive them in your heart, because forgiveness is for you not the other people.
Finding Strength in Scripture
When dealing with gaslighting, it is essential to find strength in the Word of God. Scriptures can offer you the clarity and peace needed to identify gaslighting and to move towards emotional healing.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
How Our Petty Tracker Can Help
Our Petty Tracker is designed to help you identify instances of gaslighting in your life. It’s a discreet tool that helps you keep track of events and conversations, making it easier for you to recognize manipulative behaviors. It’s not just about identifying the problem, but also about empowering you to take steps to protect yourself. If you would like, you could check out our Etsy Shop or head to the shop page for this product. No pressure!
https://jnyg.etsy.com/listing/1449283386in conclusion, gaslighting can have devastating effects on both your mental and spiritual health. But the Bible teaches us to stand firm against deceit and to rely on God for peace and clarity. Equip yourself with the tools to recognize gaslighting, such as our Petty Tracker, and always remember that God is the ultimate source of truth and strength.
“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32 (KJV)
Thank you for reading this week’s blog post. And remember, a visionary mind nurtures a creative spirit. Let your vision guide you, keep your mission organized, and always keep creating. Until next time, stay visionary.
