The last two weeks we have discussed handling the STORMS of life. So far, we have two letters under our belts.
S – Stress
T – Trials
O -
R –
M –
S –
Today we will uncover the O - OTHER PEOPLE (toxic relationships). Have you ever had a person or people in your life who cause storm after storm after storm. The world has a term for people who continually cause problems—toxic.
Toxic people cause storms. Here are some common traits of toxic people.
- They say hurtful things.
- They are selfish.
- They are unloving.
- They are unforgiving.
- They are negative and complain.
- They persecute people who disagree with them.
- They manipulate.
- They are inconsistent and confusing.
- They make you defend yourself to them.
- They make you uncomfortable.
- You feel bad about yourself when you are around them.
Now don’t get me wrong, we’ve all been this person at times or exhibited some of these traits. But a toxic person is defined by these traits.
Do you know any toxic people? Is there a person in your life right now who is toxic? Toxic people can cause lots of stress and anxiety in life. You can feel the stress from their life when they walk into the room.
The Bible has a lot to say about handling relationships with toxic people. Let’s look at a few solutions.
- Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
- He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)
- Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful (Psalm 1:1)
- When they persecute you in this city, flee to another (Matthew 10:23)
The Bible’s advice for dealing with toxic people—STAY AWAY! Now many will argue that Jesus told us to love our neighbors and bless those that persecute us. Jesus also said to flee those that persecute us. Is there a contradiction?
No!
I have had toxic people in my own life that I must still love, but from a distance. I can bless toxic people from a distance. I don’t have to invite them into my emotional world. Years ago, I was asked to contact someone through a mutual friend in order to pray for their circumstances. The person I was asked to contact is very toxic for me. I responded “no.” I told the person to please let them know that I cared greatly for their circumstances and that I was praying for them. I prayed that God would bless them in their time of need. But I did not make contact because God tells me not to.
We must choose to not entertain toxic, immoral, abusive, and shameful behavior. Stop trying to rescue people who don’t want to be rescued. Stop trying to fix people who don’t want to be fixed. Can you forgive them? Yes. Can you hang around them? No.
We are never told in God’s Word to continue with people who are emotionally and physically abusive. When they are truly repentant, you will know it. They will show it. But do not place yourself in the path of toxic people who cause unnecessary storms in life.
This applies to parents, children, siblings, friends, or anyone that is unhealthy and toxic. Some may disagree with this advice and say that it is not biblical. We may disagree. I have seen too many people hurt both emotionally and physically trying to rescue and “love” their toxic spouse, brother, sister, or parent.
Replace your unhealthy and toxic relationships with healthy and loving relationships today!
* You can also visit our YOUTUBE Channel and watch the More Than Recovery Podcast at https://www.youtube.com/@morethanrecovery/videos. Please watch, SUBSCRIBE, and share so that we can reach others and help them THRIVE.
* Join us each Tuesday at 7PM for THRIVE. THRIVE is a success group for those struggling with relationship, emotional, and addiction issues. THRIVE meets at Mikado Baptist Church at 6751 Houston Road, Macon. For more information call 478-284-1422.
* The Next Step Fall Gala is Thursday, October 17, 2024. It will be a fabulous evening of testimonies, food, fellowship, and encouragement. You won’t want to miss this year’s event. Host a table and bring your friends to this great event. Email dbartow@nextstepmin.org for more information.
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