Have you ever been in a toxic relationship?
Negative relationships with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and others can leave you feeling sick to your stomach. Moreover, they can have a lasting impact on your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The Whitehall II research study followed more than 10,000 individuals for an average of 12.2 years and discovered that people in negative relationships are at far greater risk for developing heart problems than people in healthy relationships.
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” ~ John 1:4 (NIV)
According to the magazine Psychology Today, toxic relationships are characterized by insecurity, abuse of power, control, demandingness, selfishness, self-centeredness, criticism, negativity, dishonesty, distrust, demeaning comments and attitudes, and jealousy.
Contrast those characteristics with that of Christ—He offers us security, freedom of choice, gentleness, selflessness, other-centeredness, approval, positivity, honesty, trust, life-giving words, and intimacy.
No wonder a relationship with God restores wholeness of life to the mind, body, and spirit. When we see God as He really is, we begin to love others the way He loves us. We too become a life-giving force to those around us!
