Toxic people in a toxic world

“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” – Matthew 16:6

There are some individuals who are toxic, period! They may be in your office or workforce. They may be living down the street from you, or you run into them at school or the club. Escaping them is not always an option.

How do you handle toxic people in a toxic world? Begin by putting as much distance or space as you can between yourself and the person you have come to acknowledge as being toxic. “If it is possible,” wrote Paul to Roman Christians who were trying to survive in a toxic city, “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

First, tell yourself, “I didn’t create the toxicity in this person’s life. I am not responsible for what he or she does.” Then, say to yourself, “I can’t control what that person does but neither will I allow this person to poison me.” Then, set boundaries. Decide where you are going to draw the line and say, “Enough is enough! I can’t handle that.” Will there be a price to pay? Of course. But it’s worth it. When you are true to your conscience you are true to the Lord, and this brings me to my final suggestion in handling toxic people in your life.

Live for an audience of One – your Father in heaven. Paul wrote to Christians in Thessalonica, “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). Toxic individuals are not real friends. They will not be there for you when the going gets tough. They use you. You won’t eliminate all the toxic people in your life, but you can keep them from infecting you. Keep up your guard and stay healthy.

Used with permission from Guidelines International Ministries. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, send an e-mail to [email protected]. You may also visit www.guidelines.org.