From Uncertainty to Security in the Father's Love: A Pastoral Guidance for Witnessing the Heavenly Father’s Love to Those Paternally Emotionally Neglected

Abstract

Emotional neglect affects 18.4% of the global population, accounting for 14.5% of the population in North America. For a childhood maltreatment as prevalent as emotional neglect, it is often left neglected. Despite the lack of public awareness, emotional neglect continues to cause psychological, developmental, and social debilitation that persists long into adulthood. This form of maltreatment directly attacks one’s conception of his Heavenly Father; paternal emotional neglect is especially potent at warping one’s perception to grasp the Father’s love. The spiritual leader who is aware of the afflictions his members face, both physiologically and spiritually, is best prepared to show the Father’s love, chief among which is the ultimate act of love in sending his Son Jesus as our sacrifice. He is equipped to demonstrate God’s love in words and actions for those yearning to be loved. The pastor utilizes the gospel as the antidote to bring those with deep-seated anguish lasting peace and security in the love of God.