Friendships are a gift however, not all friendships are healthy.
Not all friendships are fruitful.
So how do you know when to step away?
We look to scripture….
1 Corinthians 13:1
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.
When I access the friendships in my life I don’t ask if they are easy. I ask if they are Biblically sound and honoring to God.
I ask myself this FIRST….
Am I being impatient?
Am I being unkind?
Do I have envy toward this person?
Do I find that I am showing off or trying to “keep up?”
Do I act prideful towards them?
Am I easily angered or impatient with them?
Do I find myself being rude?
Am I making this friendship all about me?
Do I have a mental list of things I deem wrong with them?
If I can answer yes to these questions (or even a few), then the problem is most likely me. This takes true self-reflection. Our flesh likes to project onto others at times, and we can easily make excuses for our own behavior.
After I have sat with this for a while, I can then go through this list again….
Is (insert name here) patient with me and others?
Are they kind to me and others? (Others is equally as important)
Do they display signs of envy? (This typically manifests as flattery or gossip)
Are they boastful?
Are they arrogant or prideful?
Are they always angry with me, or always angry with someone?
Are the conversations always about them?
Do they have a list of everyone who’s wronged them?
Are they always the victim?
Boundaries are biblical and it’s okay to step away from people who are bad for your mental and spiritual health.
Showing grace is one thing.
Staying bound in toxic friendships is another.
Wisdom is knowing the difference.
To learn more about Heidi and her Kingdom passion, visit Kingdom Come Home
Featured Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay
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