Ending Relationships in a Healthy Way

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Steps Christians can take to end relationships in ways that benefit the individuals involved.

As Christians, we are told to forgive others and welcome them into our fellowship. We look at the example of the prodigal son being welcomed back by a forgiving father. On the other hand, the world says that certain people are toxic, and we should cut them out of our lives. Who is right?

Actually, the Bible does recognize that some people are evil and recommends we shun, avoid, and separate ourselves from them (Psalm 1:1–2, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 10:13, 15:33).

Some common categories of people to avoid are:

• ‘Friends’ who smile to our faces and gossip about us behind our backs (Proverbs 11:13, 16: 28, 20:19)
• Busybodies and gossips who have nothing better do than going from house to house, meddling in affairs that are none of their business, and saying things they shouldn’t (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:11, 1 Timothy 5:13)
• Boundary violators such as parents, in-laws, spouses, or others who disregard the lines we have drawn in the sand time and time again
• Fools who embarrass and offend us by always saying the wrong things (Proverbs 14:7) and hang around with a crowd that…