How to Heal After Being Spiritually Misjudged in Church

I wish I could say it only happened once—but it didn’t. Being spiritually misjudged, labeled, or misunderstood by people who were supposed to walk with me… that cut deep.

And if you’ve experienced that kind of wound in a church space, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe someone questioned your walk with God based on your attire. Or they made assumptions about your spiritual maturity because you didn’t shout loud enough or pray long enough. Maybe you were labeled as rebellious, broken, prideful, or “not ready”—all while you were simply trying to heal quietly, grow sincerely, and stay afloat spiritually.

Let’s be honest—sometimes the place that was supposed to be a hospital started to feel more like a courtroom.

And that kind of misjudgment can create scars that people don’t see. It makes you second-guess your own faith. It can make you afraid to speak up, afraid to serve, afraid to be vulnerable again.

I know that pain.

I’ve been the one who was looked over because I didn’t fit a mold. I’ve been the one who was whispered about while I was battling in silence. And I’ve also had to check my own heart and make sure I didn’t become the very thing that hurt me.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize: being misjudged doesn’t define your relationship with God—obedience and healing do. And God sees the real you. He’s not impressed by titles, platforms, or who claps the loudest. He’s near to the brokenhearted and fiercely protective of those misrepresented.

Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That includes the spiritual ones. The ones that happened in His name, but not in His character.

And for those who’ve walked away from church entirely because of how they were treated—please know this: God did not do that to you. His love was never tied to their opinion.

You don’t have to rush your healing, but don’t stop pursuing it either.

Let God remind you who you really are. Let Him reintroduce you to His grace without all the man-made pressure. It’s okay to worship quietly. It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to find a new place or community that loves you for real. Just don’t give up on God because of people.

And to those still healing from spiritual misjudgment: I’m sorry that happened. You’re not alone. You’re not disqualified. And your calling is still intact.

May your healing be loud enough to silence every label.
May your growth be proof that God has the final say.
And may your story be the very thing that helps someone else know they’re not crazy for still believing—after all they’ve been through.

Keep growing. Quietly, boldly, sincerely.
You are seen.

Pastor Harold

Pastor Harold