Toxic people tend to create toxic relationships, which can have serious consequences for our lives. Here's what to do about it.
Talking Points:
- Toxic people tend to create toxic relationships, which can have serious consequences for our lives. We need to set boundaries against harmful relationships in order to save our emotional energy for pursuing God. Proverbs 13:20, 2 Timothy 2:16-17
- We all have people in our lives who leave us feeling negative and emotionally exhausted. Their influence makes you feel worse about yourself and your life. Consider these three types of people:
- The Negative person is judgmental and critical. They are always complaining. Nothing is good enough. Everyone else is to blame.
- The Controller is overbearing and demanding. They push to get their way through intimidation or manipulation.
- The Tempter influences you to go against your values. They don’t care about how their values and practices rub off on you.
- You can manage toxic relationships in two simple ways – setting healthy boundaries and knowing when to cut off the relationship.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How do you know when you are in a toxic relationship? Give an example from personal experience if you have one.
- Read Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33. What are some consequences of toxic relationships?
- Look at the three kinds of toxic people. Which one do you normally attract as a friend? Why do you think that is?
- Why are boundaries important in relationships? How can you set healthy boundaries in your relationships right now?
- Think of toxic relationships from your past. How did you handle the situation? What, if anything, would you do differently now?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
