Many of us may have experienced a form of emotional, physical, psychological, or sexual abuse that estranges us from other people because of an expectation that they will inevitably eventually hurt us. This Mistrust or Abuse Schema affirms this belief that people will take advantage of us, and so we distance ourselves from people by various means. Despite all the times that we may have experienced pain, or have not been protected or defended, the good news of the gospel and the violence Christ endured on the cross points to a defender and protector who reconciles justice and forgiveness in our lives.