27 Jul When to Walk Away? | Real Relationships
Gary Thomas’ book “When to Walk Away”
- Some relationships are like a bucket w/no bottom
- You are not helping them. They are hurting you.
- Make life “hell” – gossip, slander, betrayal, attack, control = ruin life
- Fear of man (Pr. 29:25) people pleasers can get stuck in these relationships
Evil/Toxic People
-Evil – Bible word
-Toxic – Counseling word
- A murderous spirit
- A controlling nature
- A heart that loves hate
= cause unusual conflict, division, anxiety, chaos, damage, exhaustion
OFTEN RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. OFTEN VERY PUBLIC (not private)
“TOLERATE” = always negative in the Bible
Jesus Walked Away
41 times on more than two dozen separate occasions in the Gospels, Jesus walked away from evil/toxic people
- We tend to think of all the people walked toward/with
- Jesus also had many people he walked away from/around
Rich Young Ruler; eat flesh/drink blook; Pharisees/Sadducees; boarding boat
- Clarifying Conversations- Jesus and Peter
- Closure Conversations – Jesus and Judas
For good to start, bad must end.
Our time/energy is like $ & must be stewarded toward God’s priorities
Extended family & former friends can be the hardest.
Discussion Questions
- Are either of you convicted by these categories about areas you need to change?
- For the husband, is there anyone you need to set boundaries with, or walk away from?
- For the wife, is there anyone you need to set boundaries with, or walk away from?
- As a couple, is there anyone you need to set boundaries with, or walk away from?
