Sometimes toxic people need to go

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Take care of yourself”

Our Bible verse for today: “Don’t make friends with an angry person, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered one, or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” Proverbs 22:24-24 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Sometimes toxic people need to go”

I think maybe you are going to thank me for this. You need to know that God gives us permission to remove toxic people from our lives. Actually, it’s more than permission. God instructs us to do it. Toxic people steal our joy and they have a negative impact on our mental, emotional, and even spiritual health.

We often wrongly assume that putting-up with toxic people is “the Christian thing to do.” But that’s wrong. The Christian thing to do is to hold them accountable for their conduct. The Christian thing to do is rebuke them, correct them, give them an opportunity to change their ways, and then, if they will not change, show them the exit sign out of your life. I could easily cite several dozen Bible verses to prove that, but I only have room to offer you a few:

“Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too; then quarreling and dishonor will cease.” Proverbs 22:10

“The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.” Proverbs 20:19

“A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

“Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” Titus 3:10

There are many more but that’s enough; God’s point is clear. Toxic people are bad news and sometimes they need to go.

Obviously, this requires discernment and good judgment. We can’t just be shutting people out of our lives without even trying to resolve the problems. That’s especially true if they’re family. But it’s also true that you don’t have to put-up with it endlessly, nor should you. Toxic people are exactly that – they’re toxic. That means that they poison relationships and harm other people. They could be harming you and having a negative impact on your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Try to resolve the issues if you can. But if you try and they won’t comply, then take the steps necessary to avoid them, or to remove them from your life altogether. Sometimes toxic people need to go.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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