Wounded in the Shadows: Finding Truth, Healing, and Grace Amid False Narratives
Wounded in the Shadows: Finding Truth, Healing, and Grace Amid False Narratives
Introduction
The Bible gives us a glimpse into the pain and horror David experienced because of gossip, betrayal, false narratives, and broken relationships. In Psalm 55, we find an intimate and raw confession of sorrow:
“It is not an enemy who taunts me, I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me, I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you, my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.” Psalm 55:12–14 (NLT)
These words cut deep because they reflect a wound that many of us have endured, the kind that comes not from strangers but from those we once trusted. Friends. Family. Fellow believers. The betrayal stings deeper when it comes from someone close. It can leave us confused, broken, and questioning everything we thought was true.
The Pain of False Narratives
I have personally experienced the pain of being misrepresented, misunderstood, and maligned due to false narratives rooted in fear, assumption, and lies. When people project their wounds, insecurities, or jealousy onto you through gossip or half-truths, it isolates and distorts your identity in the eyes of others.
But God has called us to something greater. Let me encourage you, do not become the reason someone else is wounded, discouraged, or derailed. Our words have the power to destroy or to heal. These behaviors are not limited to friendships. They show up in families, church communities, workplaces, and leadership structures.
God is no respecter of persons. He sees it all the same. We are each called to biblical living and accountability. No one, whether a leader or layperson, has permission to use influence to manipulate, control, or wound others.
Understanding Triangulation
One subtle but destructive behavior that can damage relationships is triangulation. This happens when someone brings a third party into a conflict instead of addressing it directly with the person involved. Rather than seeking understanding or reconciliation, the person tries to gain support, sympathy, or power by involving someone else.
Triangulation spreads confusion, divides relationships, and fuels gossip. It builds walls instead of bridges. It is dangerous in marriages, churches, workplaces, and even friendships.
The Bible gives us a clear pattern for addressing conflict:
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15
This principle protects unity and invites restoration. Healthy relationships are not built by talking about people but by talking to them in love and truth.
Discern the Motive
The next time someone begins to share a negative story about another person or group, pause and pray. Ask God to help you discern their motive.
Ask yourself
Is this coming from a place of love and truth or is it laced with jealousy, fear, control, insecurity, or pride?
You are not called to be a vessel for someone else’s unresolved pain or bitterness. Yes, sometimes the story may be true, but ask, why are they telling you? If it is not rooted in care, truth, or intercession, then their motive is likely self-serving.
A Biblical Reminder
Remember Haman in the Bible. He spoke against Mordecai not out of care for the king but because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. His motive was rooted in pride and offense. It led to his downfall.
God is not interested in taking sides. He is interested in truth, righteousness, and holiness. Though people may appear to get away with harmful behaviors, let us not confuse God's patience and mercy with agreement.
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16–19
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Ephesians 4:29
Jesus is clear about how He feels about gossip, slander, lies, and unrepentant sin. We are called to a higher standard.
So, How Do We Respond
We respond with
Grace not retaliation
Truth not manipulation
Discernment not assumptions
We do not spread more gossip. We do not let bitterness grow. We seek God’s healing, forgiveness, and walk in love. We stand firm in our identity and refuse to participate in the enemy’s strategy to divide or harm each other.
Let’s be people who give and seek wise, unbiased, biblically based help and counsel in the areas of our lives where healing and growth are needed. Let’s be committed to not carrying unhealed pain into our relationships or places of influence. Let’s choose not to serve or interact from a place of fear, insecurity, pride, or unresolved offense. Instead, let’s commit to leading and serving from a place of love, of wholeness, truth, and purity.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Jesus said,
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
Let’s protect the unity and cohesiveness of the Body of Christ, not just within church walls, but in every area of service, influence, and impact. Let us surrender to this biblical model of living, a life that consistently reflects the character of Christ. May our lives exalt our Lord and King Jesus Christ, not just in words, but in actions. May we walk worthy of the calling we have received, reflecting His love in every relationship and every encounter.
Reflection Questions
· Have I ever shared a story that was not mine to tell?
· How do I handle conflict, directly or through others?
· Am I willing to forgive and seek reconciliation?
· Do I listen with discernment or with curiosity?
· Who do I need to speak with in love today?
Final Words
Take some time to reflect on your heart. Ask God for a clean heart. Ask for courage to speak the truth in love. Pray for discernment. And choose today to be a person who builds bridges, not walls.
Thank you for reading; If this post resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs it. Invite others into healing and truth. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to the REAL Blog so you never miss a post that speaks to your season.
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Let truth guide your heart
Let grace guard your words
Let love lead the way
God Bless You,
Aways With Love, Waydia