Bible Question:
Hi again, Hank! I'm thinking mainly of what they call "toxic" relationships. Did you ever know someone who was a constant downer; who knew how to push your buttons, and did so regularly; who always seemed to bring a frown rather than a smile; who would not tell a lie, but would continually shade the truth to keep you confused and off-balance? Someone with whom you might have spent hours, days, month, years, hashing out all the ins and outs, trying to untangle the web, only for nought? Someone who is a constant and considerable drain, who costs you sleep, work, and other responsibilities, without any improvement in the relationship? That's the kind of toxic relationship I'm talking about. It's not a clear-cut thing -- a good case could be made for sticking with it. But the very thought fills me with such an immense weariness that I feel I could collapse on the spot. Yet weariness is no excuse, right? "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13) I am in just such a toxic relationship. Or rather, I have just ended it (I think -- I have done it so many times now, I've lost count). When I end it, I feel guilty -- agape love should have been stronger than that, shouldn't it??? But when I'm in it, I feel guilty for letting it sap all the resources, energy, time, etc. that I could be putting to much better use... Needing to be free, Cheryl |
Bible Answer: May I ask what type of relationship this is as that would make a difference to the answer. Is this a close friendship, a dateing relationship, a courting relationship or is it a married relationship. Any one could have the problems you describe but each one would have different answers. |