When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
So then, in his words and in his practice, Jesus modeled how to let people go, how to walk away, and how to stay in charge of our schedule (and to a certain degree, not allow ourselves to be unnecessarily abused). Follow in the footsteps of Jesus by boldly walking away and finding a reliable person in whose life you can make a worthy investment
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
Notice the confidence that gives authority to his message. Jesus never appears desperate, manipulative, or controlling, as if when people didn’t agree with him, his feelings would be hurt. He is mission-focused and others-centered to his deepest core.
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
Your safety doesn’t depend on your ability to figure everything out, to know the future, or to finally become a wiser, stronger person; your safety depends on the perfect knowledge, grace, and power of Jesus Christ.
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
Jesus didn’t tell his disciples, “Stay there and let them hit you because they may finally come to their senses.” No. He gives his disciples permission—even more than that, a command—to flee from those hurting them and go to another place. (If you’re wondering, What about when he said to turn the other cheek? see the endnote.)1
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
“simple.” If life is about following Jesus, then at times we will follow him as he walked away from abuse and danger. Jesus didn’t cede control of his life to anyone.
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
life is richest when you give each moment of each day to God with the prayer,
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6).
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (John 3:19–20).
Gary Thomas • When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).