A lot of Christians believe if a friend lies, belittles, and etc to them that they should just forgive and maintain that friendship. It is often quoted, God wants us to forgive and forget. Which is true we definitely should not harbor hatred in our hearts and we should forgive but it is not wise to hold on to a friendship in which the person does the following: belittles you, makes fun of you, competes with you, breaks your trust through gossip or betrayal, drains your energy, and etc.
Why in the world will you keep someone who chooses to treat you that way in your life?
Many Christians have a distorted view of friendship.
God told us the following in regards to friendships:
1. Be picky with who you are friends with, Proverbs 13:20
2. Avoid a friend who talks too much, Provers 20:19
3. Stay away from bad company 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
4. Keep good, genuine, and nice people who love you close to you and avoid those who don't because they will lead you astray. Provers 12:26
5. 2 Timothy 3 outlines the characteristics of individuals that God tells us to stay away from.
I know toxic friendships and relationships will not follow me into 2011. Sure I continually make certain that I do not hold grudges since we are all human. But I take the person who does such things out of my circle of influence; since it is not a healthy relationship. I may reconcile with that individual in the future whenever they get whatever personal/character issue(lying, gossipping...) that they are working on in check.
Start the new year right, liberate yourself from toxicity.
Read this article to learn how!
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