The Belt of Truth. I am growing and learning with a sound mind navigating the trap of toxic people.
Activating The Armor of God (God’s Spiritual Weapons)
Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. ~Ephesians 6:13 (AMPC)
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins ~Ephesians 6:14 (AMPC)
ARE YOU A HELPER, GIVER, FIXER, OR POSSIBLY LACK IN SELF-WORTH? YOU MAY BE MORE VULNERABLE TO TOXIC PEOPLE AND MANIPULATION.
THE LIE
I must befriend everyone. -OR- I have to keep trying. -OR- I have to forgive but also I must “tolerate” bad behavior. -OR- I feel so guilty and sorry for this person. -OR- I know they really love me deep down. -OR- They cannot help how they are. -OR- ANY OTHER EXCUSES YOU MAKE TO CONTINUE.
THE TRUTH
Please take this to the Cross and pray to the Lord what He would like you to do in a toxic situation. Pray for the toxic person that God will reveal to them what is needing to be revealed in their lives.
Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. ~Romans 16:18 (NLT)
But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane, [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good, traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. ~2 Timothy 3:1-5 (AMP)
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” ~1 Corinthians 15:33 (AMP)
We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience. ~2 Corinthians 4:2 (AMPC)
SO WHAT TO DO
DRAW NEAR TO GOD: We can learn and grow from our deficiency and part in inability to set appropriate boundaries for ourselves (if that is the case). Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you areas in your life that need work and need transformation, so you can change and grow from these experiences.
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [and only You] I wait [expectantly] all the day long. ~Psalm 25:5 (AMP)
Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. ~Philippians 4:8 (AMP)
SEEK WISDOM: Remember you are not crazy. Toxic people can be used as puppets for the enemy and most may not even realize what they are doing. They can manipulate, lie, and deceive with extreme precision– like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Seek out godly wisdom from those you trust. We are forewarned in Matthew.
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles ~Matthew 7:15-16 (CSB)
“Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. ~Matthew 10:16 (AMP)
HAVE COURAGE: Have a spirit courage and sound judgement. Do not wallow in fear or guilt of setting boundaries that may be needed.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. ~2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)
Activating The Armor of God (God’s Spiritual Weapons)
“I AM VICTORIOUS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.”
“MY GOD LIVES IN ME AND LOVES ME
AND HE GIVES ME STRENGTH.”
