Toxic

A Bible Reflection

A person who exhibits toxic behaviors toward you makes you feel degraded, disrespected, demeaned, devalued, and depleted. Toxic behaviors include; being manipulative, cruel, quick-tempered, controlling, overbearing, and self-centered, as well as lying and cheating. Selfishness is at the root of toxic behavior, even if the person wears a religious veil.

For the love of God and yourself, put some distance between you and this person.

Jesus left us with two commandments; the first one is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” If, for any reason, you have chosen to put this toxic person above God because your heart, soul, and mind are filled with a constant need to “fix” this person, then you’re walking in idolatry. The second commandment is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you look closely at this commandment, you’ll see that while you are called to love others, you have to love yourself! Do you love yourself?

Let me make this very clear; love is not being a…