The righteous should choose his friends carefully” Prov. 12:26 (NKJV). Toxic Friendships The righteous should choose his friends carefully” Prov. 12:26 (NKJV).

Toxic Friendships Some mistakenly believe that they don’t have any choice regarding their friends and that they must preserve all relationships—no matter how bad they might be. Quite to the contrary, the Bible states “the righteous should choose his friends carefully” (Proverbs 12:26)-NKJV.

Toxic Friendships Share some stories of bad relationships from the bible

Simeon & Levi-Gen. 34:7-25 & Gen. 49:5-6 Toxic Friendships Toxic Relationships Simeon & Levi-Gen. 34:7-25 & Gen. 49:5-6 Amnon & Jonadab-II Sam. 13:1-15 Samson & Delilah-Judges 16:15-20

Toxic Friendships While we should never end a relationship without careful thought We don’t want to embrace the throwaway mentality many have toward relationships today without first doing what we can to resolve the problem (Romans 12:18- If it is possible, as much depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Toxic Friendships When should we get out of relationships with others?

Toxic Friendships 3 Types of Friendships 1. Confidants-Very few of these. They love unconditionally, regardless of the situation. You can trust them with all your secrets. They encourage you and help you to grow. They are for you.

Toxic Friendships 3 Types of Friendships 2. Constituents-They are into what you are for or what you stand for. They are not in to you. If you are in on what they are for or want they will remain with you. If you are not into what they want anymore, they will leave you hanging. Don’t mistake Constituent for Confidants

Toxic Friendships 3 Types of Friendships 3. Comrades-Not for you or for what you are for. They are against what you are against. They will team up with you to fight a specific issue (e.g. Herod & Pilate Luke 23:8-12). They remain with you until you get victory over what they are against but they are not for you. When the purpose they were with you is complete, they usually leave.

Toxic Friendships 3 Types of Friendships Be Care who you share your dreams with. Constituents and/or comrades will usually abandon you and try to fulfil your dreams for themselves. They may not rejoice over your successes or your accomplishments because they are not for you. The last thing you need is a hater praying over your dreams or desires.

Toxic Friendships There are times when ending a relationship is the appropriate course of action. The person refuses to accept responsibility to resolve conflicts

Toxic Friendships Matthew 18:15-17-15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens and pays attention to you, you have won back your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 17 If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector. (AMP)

Toxic Friendships When To Let Go of a Relationship The person persistently acts in an ungodly, illegal or unethical way Proverbs 12:26-The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. (NLT)

Toxic Friendships When To Let Go of a Relationship The person threatens you, engages in any form of abuse or tells you to leave Psalm 120:7-I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war! (NLT) Proverbs 22:24-Do not even associate with a man given to angry outbursts; or go [along] with a hot- tempered man (AMP)

Toxic Friendships We can have some wonderful friends in this life. But there may be times we will have to separate ourselves from those that are detrimental to our lives and are walks in God. Be able to discern what relationships/friendship are best for you.

Next Bible Study Topic: The Value of Friendships Scriptures: Prov. 18:24 & Prov. 17:17

Reference: When to End a Friendship by David Treybig Be Aware of 3 Types of Friends-T.D. Jakes