Can God Heal a Narcissist?

Today, we’re tackling a big question: Can God heal a narcissist?

If you’ve researched narcissism, you’ve likely come across the same message: there’s no remedy.

Psychologists often say it’s impossible or extremely difficult to heal narcissism. At best, long-term behavior modifications might make someone a little less harmful, but they rarely result in genuine change.

Why? Two main reasons:

1. Traditional Methods Haven’t Worked
   Narcissistic traits are deeply ingrained, and current psychological approaches struggle to reach the root of the issue.
2. Resistance to Treatment
   Most narcissists don’t seek help. If they do, it’s often due to coercion—pressure from a partner, family, or even the law. They don’t genuinely believe they need healing, which makes change almost impossible.

So, with such bleak outcomes, can God heal a narcissist?

The Biblical Perspective: Nothing Is Impossible with God

The short answer is: Yes, He can.

Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

This means there is no illness, no trauma, and no wound too deep for God to heal—even narcissism. But this leads us to another question: Why do so many narcissists remain unhealed?

The answer lies in their hearts.

The Heart of the Issue: Pride vs. Humility

The core problem is that a narcissist doesn’t think they have a problem. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains” (John 9:41).

In other words, as long as someone believes they’re fine, there’s no room for healing. Jesus also said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Mark 2:17). Narcissists see themselves as the only ones who “see” clearly, while everyone else is the problem.

This mindset is rooted in pride.

The Bible tells us that pride must be broken by humility: “Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed” (Matthew 21:44). This means that a person must humble themselves—or face circumstances that will humble them.

For a narcissist, that kind of breakthrough often requires a divine intervention.

Biblical Examples of Narcissists

The Bible gives us examples of narcissistic leaders and how God dealt with them.

1. King Nebuchadnezzar
   Nebuchadnezzar ruled Babylon and saw himself as a god. He declared, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30).Because of his pride, God drove him into the wilderness to live like an animal for seven years. It was only after this humbling that Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God as the true King. He said, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).His story shows that even extreme narcissism can be healed—if the person repents.
2. Pharaoh
   Pharaoh saw himself as a god. God sent ten devastating plagues to humble him, but Pharaoh hardened his heart each time (Exodus 7:13-14, 9:12). Despite losing his firstborn son and watching his kingdom collapse, he never repented.In the end, Pharaoh was destroyed (Exodus 14:28). His story illustrates that even when God intervenes, a narcissist’s response depends on their willingness to change.

These stories show that while God can humble a narcissist, the outcome depends on whether they soften their heart or remain hardened.

What Should You Do?

If you’re dealing with a narcissist, you might wonder how you fit into this. Should you confront them? Should you love them more? Should you hope they’ll change because of your example?

Here’s what I want you to hear:
The best thing you can do is step out of God’s way.

Narcissists need a confrontation to expose their pride, but that confrontation may not come from you. In fact, confronting them yourself could increase the abuse or put you in greater danger.

Instead, focus on creating space between yourself and the narcissist. Entrust them to God, and trust Him to deal with them in His timing and His way.

Focus on Your Healing

While God works on the narcissist, He also wants to heal you.

Stop letting the narcissist take up free real estate in your mind. Instead, focus on rebuilding your identity, healing your heart, and growing in Christ.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Even in the midst of anxiety or stress, you can cast every care on Him. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). God is faithful to fill you with His peace and lead you into the future He has prepared for you.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.

If you know someone who might find this helpful, feel free to share it with them.

Until next time, focus on your healing, trust God with the rest, and remember—He has great plans for you.

Watch the video version of this blog here. 

• Are you wanting to recover your identity after coming out of a narcissistic relationship?  Consider enrolling for my 12-week group coaching program starting in January, 2025.  Spots are limited. Click here to learn more.
• If you are thinking of leaving, or have left a toxic environment and are in a season of transition, check out my free training on 3 three keys to navigate difficult transitions successfully. Each of these things brought so much breakthrough in my life.
• Can Narcissists Genuinely Repent? What the Bible Says about a Narcissist’s Transformation [Read] [Watch]
• When a Narcissist Loses Control Over You - 10 Unique Things They Will Do. [Watch] [Read]
• When You Leave Them, 10 Ways They Will Gaslight You [Watch]
• How to Discern and Resist this Diabolical Manipulation [Watch]
• Dishonest Remorse: 5 Crafty Ways that Narcissists Try to Make You Think They're Sorry [Read] [Watch]
• Can A Narcissist Change? 10 Ways to Tell if Their Repentance is Real. [Watch]

Find more resources in our topic-based catalog

Downloadable Resources 

• Signs of Spiritual Abuse or Cultish Environments Checklist 
• 20 Signs that You Might Be Experiencing Narcissistic Abuse
• How to Pray for a Narcissist Guide
• Healing from Gaslighting