Stockholm Syndrome

Hosea 9:3

King James Version Chapter 9

They shall not dwell in the LORD’s land;

But Ephraim shall return to Egypt,

And they shall eat unclean things in Assyria.

Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological response. It occurs when hostages or abuse victims bond with their captors or abusers. They may began to feel positive feelings towards their captors and may even come to believe that they share many of the same goals. Also, the victim may began to feel disdain for any police or authority and resent anyone who may try to help them escape.

There are three main symptoms.

I. Positivity towards the person holding them captive or abusing them. II Timothy 4:9,10

King James Version Chapter 4

Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

A. Appeal of the familiar. II Corinthians 5:7

King James Version Chapter 5

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

B. Pleasure of the flesh. Hebrews 11:25

King James Version Chapter 11

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

II. Negative Feeling for Authority. II Thessalonians 2:3

King James Version Chapter 2

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Rejection of the law of God Romans 7:21-25

King James Version Chapter 7

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

A. Because of sinful desire.

B. Because of the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.

III. The victim begins to perceive that they have the same goals and values as the captor.

It is said that Stockholm syndrome is often brought about after a victim is threatened with death and then their life is spared. It is thought that the sparing of their life is perceived as such a kind act that it out-ways the negative acts that had been portrayed.

Satan does the same thing through material gains and fleshly gratification. He knows what appeals to our flesh and mind and will grant gifts to win our affection. This is why Colossians 3:2,3 tells us.

King James Version Chapter 3

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

A. Satan will cause suffering then blame God for our pain. Matthew 24:9,10

King James Version Chapter 24

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

B. Satan will appeal to our intellect. Matthew 24:23, 24

King James Version Chapter 24

23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.