Language is powerful and it’s often abused for sinful purposes.
For example, some people realize that explaining that their sibling is annoying won’t justify cutting him off, so they call him “toxic.” They realize that they can't justify the way they treat their parents simply because their parents are critical, so they call them “verbally abusive.”
These descriptions have become very popular, but they identify a cowardly kind of faith (Proverbs 24:10).
When we exaggerate relationship problems, we are trying to convince ourselves that refusing to deal with difficulties is better than obeying God's commands. We are choosing shallow, self-centered “safety” more than self-denial and Christian growth.
If we can’t deal with difficult people, we end up becoming a difficult person. And even worse, we end up hardening our hearts to God's commands like these:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer…Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21
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See also Proverb 18:1 and read it in the various translations. The original Hebrew in this proverb is best translated as "a man who isolates himself."
You forgot the biggest misuse of language
ReplyDeleteThey are haters this has become so common among the younger adults; if they profess to be followers of Christ,there should be no hate in us
This is a powerful teaching.
ReplyDeleteIf we are called to love our enemies, we must be in proximity to difficult people. We have the tools not to internalize their narratives. If Jesus could die for us, “Boundaries” is not His direction to us.