Toxic relationships are rampant in our time. They often cause us to mistake:
Lust for love
Controlling behavior for being considerate
Obsession for being protective or jealous
Temporary happiness for true joy
These unhealthy relationships are not limited to romantic relationships or marriage. They can also be found in friendships, workplace relationships, and sometimes even within families and guardianship.
In 2 Samuel 13, Amnon mistook the strong desire (lust) he had for his sister as love. Just as the pleasures of sin are only for a moment, so also are lustful desires. They fade quickly but leave lasting damage.
Toxic relationships do not only exist between two people. A person can also have a toxic relationship with themselves. This happens when we confuse:
Pride with boldness
Selfishness with self-love
Arrogance with confidence
And the list goes on.
Toxic relationships often leave people emotionally wounded, devastated, and what many call “heartbroken.”
When we are unsure whether we are in a toxic relationship, we should always remember this scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NIV):
*"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"
May the Lord God preserve us from any form of toxic relationship. Amen!
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