How are we damaged in a home break-in and theft? Often, we hear a victim of theft say, “I felt violated.” Here’s why:
Level one: Physiological needs. Depending on what was stolen, shelter, and food may be affected.
Level two: Safety: The safety of shelter is gone. We are no longer safe in our own home.
Level three: Love needs. Was this done by a “friend”?
Level four: Esteem needs: What we have worked for so long is gone or destroyed.
A look at how theft damages our aspects of life.
1) Physical: Physically, Again, many psychological injuries show up in our bodies in physical ways: ulcers, stress, eating habits, etc.
2) Emotional: We lost safety. The emotions are damaged. 3) Psychological: All sorts of scenarios run through our mind. What if …. Will they come back? How can I be safe? Am I safe? is depends on the amount of abuse that was received
4) Cognitive: Again there is stress, there is a violation which reduces our cognitive skills.
5) Spiritual: We question God’s care for us and His power to protect.
6) Sexual: if there is no assault, this should remain undamaged, yet assault is theft.
7) Financial: The lost and damage must be restored.
8) Relational: How can we trust?
9) Social: The social stability is broken.
10) Environmental: A society where theft happens is unsafe and untrusting.
No wonder God says, “Do not steal.”
Maslow vs State