Do you find yourself repeatedly having heated conversations with someone you are in a relationship with? Have you ever been involved with someone who was all wrong for you and not realized it until months or even years later? Have you had a habit of mistaking drama and tension for true love? Have you ever wanted a responsible, mature partner, only to end up with an irresponsible, unreliable person who drove your crazy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time to stop the madness!
A "bad friendship or relationship" is one that involves continual frustration. Bad relationships are chronically lacking in what one or both people need. These relationships can destroy self-esteem and prevent those involved from moving on in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. They are breeding grounds for loneliness, rage, and misery.
The word of God says in Isaiah 1:5,6 (New Living Translation), "Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick. You are sick from head to foot - covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds without any ointments or bandages." The New International Version reads, "Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted. From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness - only wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." In other words, the pain of bad relationships is felt throughout your entire body.
The Bible says that your whole head is injured. Head means your understanding. Your understanding is afflicted. It is tainted, not rational; there is no sound reasoning. In other words, your understanding in bad! When your relationship is bad, your thinking [understanding, reasoning] can become bad.
In order to stop the madness, you must stop the bad relationship cycle. You must stop yourself. Stop what you are doing that is a part of the madness. There is a part of every believer that can be immature, selfish, controlling and power seeking. Even the most normal or spirit filled believer can resort to the most spiteful behavior when dealing with those they claim to love and befriend. There can be hostility and cruelty, pathetically immature reasoning, accusations, blaming and shaming, spiritual exaggerations and misinterpretations, and even denial. That part of a believer can be so distasteful that he/she will try to justify and explain his/her ungodly behavior. "Girl, he pushed my last button, I don't usually act like that. God forgive me." "Man! That woman drove me crazy. I lost my mind for a minute. I'm not that kind of a man - honestly." "He didn't bring me in on the deal, that frustrated me and I just let him have it. I am part owner of this business you know." You cast yourself as a victim, forgetting that you have a part in the madness.
If you are involved in a madness type relationship, you are killing your spirit. Before you hurt yourself any more, you need to STOP! The Bible says in Isaiah 1:17, "Stop doing wrong and learn to do [live] right!"
Excerpt from the study manual - "Friends, Foes and Fellow Christians"
Get your copy at http://www.gingerlondon.com/FFFCSM.html.
Minister Ginger D. London, MA
Minister Ginger London is a well respected and sought after preacher, teacher, speaker and life coach. The visionary for the "Got To Get Myself Together!" Relationship and Life Strategies Conference and The Ginger London Ministries Show on Blog Talk Radio. The author of four manuals: The Making of A Spiritual Diamond, Understanding Your Calling, and Discerning Your Boaz! and Friends, Foes, and Fellow Christians. A writing contributor for Aspire, The New Women Of Color Study Bible. She has preached and taught life changing messages, both nationally and internationally. For preaching/teaching invitations please contact: Ginger London Ministries, PO Box 74294, Baton Rouge, La 70874. Email: glondonmin@yahoo.com. For product resources visit the website at http://www.gingerlondon.com.
Source: Ezine