Avoiding Toxic Relationships

Toxic (adjective): poisonous, unpleasant, or unacceptable

"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

1. IT TAKES JUST ONE TOXIC FRUIT!

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”

Genesis 3:6 (NIV)

“He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Genesis 3:10 (NIV)

“The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

Genesis 3:12 (NIV)

2. TOXIC PEOPLE ALWAYS HAVE A PROBLEM FOR EVERY SOLUTION!

“…Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.”

James 4:4 (NLT)

3. WE REPEAT WHAT WE DON’T REPAIR!

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

Victory Group Questions:

1. Toxic relationships can keep us separated from God. What healthy boundaries can you develop?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Share your thoughts.

3. We all have toxicity (sin) in our lives. How is this affecting your current relationships?

4. To have a winning year, we need a winning relationship with God. What are you doing to make this statement true?