United Church, Atlanta, GA

Jesus Too | Been Hurt
Jesus didn’t just witness our pain—He lived it. Discover how Jesus’ own struggles make Him the one who truly understands us and offers real hope and healing in the midst of ours.
Locations & Times
United Church
1775 Water Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Introduction
Series Overview: We are in a series called "Jesus Too," which focuses on how Jesus understands the pain of betrayal, loneliness, broken trust, abuse and rejection because He has experienced these things Himself.
Today's Focus: Addressing the often unspoken issue of abuse and how Jesus' own experiences can bring healing and understanding.
Series Overview: We are in a series called "Jesus Too," which focuses on how Jesus understands the pain of betrayal, loneliness, broken trust, abuse and rejection because He has experienced these things Himself.
Today's Focus: Addressing the often unspoken issue of abuse and how Jesus' own experiences can bring healing and understanding.
Jesus Understands Our Pain
Key Point: Jesus has experienced the sting of betrayal, loneliness, broken trust, and rejection.
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt deeply hurt or betrayed. How does knowing Jesus experienced similar pain bring comfort?
Key Point: Jesus has experienced the sting of betrayal, loneliness, broken trust, and rejection.
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt deeply hurt or betrayed. How does knowing Jesus experienced similar pain bring comfort?
My Hidden Scars
Reflection: Are there hidden scars in your life that you have not acknowledged? How might sharing your story begin a healing process?
Reflection: Are there hidden scars in your life that you have not acknowledged? How might sharing your story begin a healing process?
Our Tragic Reality
Statistics: Over one in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have experienced sexual assault, ____________, and/or stalking.
Reflection: How does this reality impact your view of the world and the church's role in addressing abuse?
Statistics: Over one in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have experienced sexual assault, ____________, and/or stalking.
Reflection: How does this reality impact your view of the world and the church's role in addressing abuse?
Jesus Was Abused, Too
Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:27-31
Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:27-31
Key Point: Jesus endured physical, _____________, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Reflection: How does Jesus' suffering and abuse change your understanding of His empathy and compassion?
Reflection: How does Jesus' suffering and abuse change your understanding of His empathy and compassion?
Silent Churches
Key Point: Abuse is often minimized or __________ in churches, and it takes many forms: physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual.
Reflection: How can our church become a safe space for those who have experienced abuse?
Key Point: Abuse is often minimized or __________ in churches, and it takes many forms: physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual.
Reflection: How can our church become a safe space for those who have experienced abuse?
Healing Can Be Yours
Key Point: Healing is a journey that requires __________, God's presence, godly counsel, and a safe community.
Reflection: What steps can you take to begin or continue your healing journey?
Key Point: Healing is a journey that requires __________, God's presence, godly counsel, and a safe community.
Reflection: What steps can you take to begin or continue your healing journey?
Forgiveness and Healing
Key Point: Forgiveness is the conscious _____________ to release your right to seek revenge, to surrender the demand for retribution, and to place the pursuit of ultimate justice in God's hands.
Reflection: How can you begin the journey of forgiveness, and what boundaries do you need to establish for your healing?
Key Point: Forgiveness is the conscious _____________ to release your right to seek revenge, to surrender the demand for retribution, and to place the pursuit of ultimate justice in God's hands.
Reflection: How can you begin the journey of forgiveness, and what boundaries do you need to establish for your healing?
Conclusion
Resurrection Power: Jesus' scars are not marks of shame but badges of victory. Your scars can also become reminders of your journey from victimhood to victory.
Community Commitment: Our church is committed to being a place of healing and support for both survivors and those who have caused harm.
Resurrection Power: Jesus' scars are not marks of shame but badges of victory. Your scars can also become reminders of your journey from victimhood to victory.
Community Commitment: Our church is committed to being a place of healing and support for both survivors and those who have caused harm.
Action Steps
For Survivors: Connect with church staff, consider professional trauma assessment, and explore spiritual practices for healing.
For Those Who Have Caused Harm: End abusive behaviour, seek pastoral and professional guidance, and commit to genuine change.
For Survivors: Connect with church staff, consider professional trauma assessment, and explore spiritual practices for healing.
For Those Who Have Caused Harm: End abusive behaviour, seek pastoral and professional guidance, and commit to genuine change.
Talk to a Pastor
If you need to talk to a pastor, we're here for you!
https://calendly.com/d/3sh-x8d-5tc/talk-to-a-pastor?month=2025-04Access Mental Health Care at United
If you’re walking through a difficult season and need professional support, you don’t have to face it alone. We partner with Cumberland Counseling Centers to provide trusted, faith-based counseling for individuals, couples, and families.
https://united.online/cumberland-counselingClosing Prayer
Prayer for Healing: Jesus, I come to You with my brokenness. Heal my body, mind, and spirit. Help me to forgive and guide me to safe relationships. Amen.
Prayer for Healing: Jesus, I come to You with my brokenness. Heal my body, mind, and spirit. Help me to forgive and guide me to safe relationships. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
How can you support someone in their healing journey?
What role can you play in creating a safe and supportive church community?
How can you support someone in their healing journey?
What role can you play in creating a safe and supportive church community?
Note: This guide is designed to help you engage deeply with the sermon and apply its teachings to your life. Feel free to take notes and reflect on the questions that have been provided.
If you want to receive Jesus’ love today, pray this prayer:
Jesus, I feel alone and misunderstood in my hurt. No one seems to truly grasp the depth of what I've been through. I've heard that You suffered too, that You were abused and hurt. Please, help me believe that You understand my pain. Comfort me in this moment. I give You my broken heart. I give You my fear. I'm giving my life to You. I believe You can rescue me. Guide me, heal me, and show me what it means to live in Your freedom.
Jesus, I feel alone and misunderstood in my hurt. No one seems to truly grasp the depth of what I've been through. I've heard that You suffered too, that You were abused and hurt. Please, help me believe that You understand my pain. Comfort me in this moment. I give You my broken heart. I give You my fear. I'm giving my life to You. I believe You can rescue me. Guide me, heal me, and show me what it means to live in Your freedom.
If you prayed this prayer...
...whether for the first time or as a recommitment, let us know! This choice you’ve made is the most significant decision of your life and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate with you. Text "commit2jesus" to 94000 or fill out the form below:
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/7307792025 Bible App Reading Plan
Join our Bible Reading Plan group on Church Center where we have daily discussions on what we're reading together in Scripture.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/groups/unique/2025-bible-reading-plan
Baptism Sunday is May 18!
Ready to take your next step in faith? Baptism is a public declaration of the new life you have in Jesus and we want to celebrate it with you!
If you've said yes to Jesus but haven’t been baptized, this is your moment. Sign up today and take the plunge into new life.
https://united.online/baptism
New to United? Or ready to dive deeper?
Join PL and Breanna on May 4th for "Lunch With the Crumps." It's a relaxed way to connect, get to know our church family, and discover your next step in becoming a church member.
https://united.online/growth-track
New Look, Same Heart
As we step into this new season with a new name, we're still the same church on mission to unite people to Jesus and each other. To learn more about the heart behind our rebrand and what’s ahead, visit our website.
https://united.online/visionConnect Card
New here? We'd love to connect with you! Fill out this quick form:
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/730779Need Prayer?
Our prayer team is here to support you with compassion and confidentiality, whatever your needs may be.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118409A Three-Year Discipleship Journey
See all that God has done at our church by exploring our Harvest Initiative.
https://united.online/harvestGive God Your First and Your Best
Your contributions make a difference in our community. Text to Give (84321) or click the link below to learn more about our giving options:
https://donate.overflow.co/therenovationchurch/cash?config=harvest-