Self-Preservation and Coping Mechanisms

ch 1.26These harmful coping strategies are used to hide from the pain of abortion, but true peace can be found through God’s love.
Repression acts to keep information out of conscious awareness. Truth: “In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118:5; Psalm 62:5-8
Denial is probably one of the best known defense mechanisms, used often to describe situations in which people seem unable to face reality or admit an obvious truth. Truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Avoidance or refusing to deal with or encounter unpleasant objects or situations. Truth: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
Projection is a defense mechanism that involves taking our own unacceptable qualities or feelings and ascribing them to other people. Truth: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:2
Rationalization involves explaining an unacceptable behavior or feeling in a rational or logical manner, avoiding the true reasons for the behavior. Truth: “God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice…” Romans 3:25
Intellectualization works to reduce anxiety by thinking about events in a cold, clinical way. Truth: “Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him!” Romans 5:9