📰 Relationships and behaviour
This article discusses dealing with difficult relationships and toxic behaviour.
🎓 Instruction
Hated by non believers
Matthew 10:32-36 explains that difficult relationships within the family are to be expected, warning that our own family members shall be our enemy because of our professed faith in Jesus. John 17:14-20 warns that as we are in the world but not of the world, we are unknown and hated by the world.
Matthew 18:15-17 also advises us to address conflicts directly with the individual first, then involve others if necessary, and ultimately to treat them as an heathen if they refuse to listen. This can be interpreted as setting boundaries with toxic people in love.
Protect yourself
1 John 1:7 highlights the importance of living a life aligned with God’s truth and righteousness and to have fellowship with other believers.
Proverbs is replete with advice on avoiding wicked people and evil situations. Proverbs 13:20 emphasises the benefits of choosing the right company and avoiding fools.
Proverbs 22:24-25 warns against forming friendships and associating with angry people, as it may lead to adopting their ways.
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions that bad company corrupts good character, experience shows this to be the case; and 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 instructs not to form inappropriate relationships with the unrighteous.
Choose wisely
Psalms 1:1-6 shows there are blessings in not associating with the ungodly. This is affirmed in Philippians 4:8-9 by the Apostle Paul stating that in doing the right thing the peace of God will guard your heart and your mind.
References
| Resources | 🔗 | Bible |
| Studies | 📝 | In the world not of the world |
| 📝 | Conditional forgiveness | |
| 📝 | Conditional fellowship | |