God created us to be relational beings. But the truth is that not all people fulfill that God-ordained attribute. While I'm sure that you may be surrounded with many positive, life-giving and Christ-centred relationships, we also have had some not-so-good relationships.
Because people believe in the false notion that we are forever tied to people whom we build relationship with, we see many believers become victims of destructive relationships that obviously need to be limited. Whether it's a romantic relationship, friendship or working relationship, you are not indebted to it.
2 Corinthians 6:14 reminds us, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?"
To be unequally yoked with someone is to be in a relationship with that person even though it's becoming a crutch to you. When this happens, it's time to limit a relationship.
Here are four acceptable reasons to not be yoked with unhealthy relationships.
1. It's Becoming Too Toxic
Toxic people can often be critical, closed-minded and unwilling to learn. These are the kind of people who always see something wrong with the world and with you but will never admit their own faults.
The toxicity of such relationships and people can be very taxing. No, God is not calling you to be their saviour and sacrifice your whole being for the sake of a relationship that does not honour Him. While we are called to love others, sometimes the most loving thing to do is to cut ties with people who are too toxic.
2. It Draws You Away From God's Purpose
A true friend will lead us closer to God and His ways, never farther from it. Proverbs 18:24 reminds us, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
A true friend will restore you back to God if you lose your way, not pull you even farther from Him.
3. It Has Become a Functional Saviour
In some cases, some relationships turn into functional saviours. Many friendships or even romantic relationships are prone to this happening. In cases such as this, there is not always a need to cut the relationship right away. Often, we have the chance to put boundaries and limitations that make sure that we do not treat others as our source of security and significance. These two things we can only truly get from Jesus Christ.
4. You Become A Burden To The Other
Let's face the truth—sometimes other people are not the problem. We are. When this becomes the case, I hope we can build the humility to admit that we are the problem and make adjustments. Sometimes it might even call for us to be the ones to cut the relationship and when given that chance, it's best we take it.
