“So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:14-17
Are you a victim of a toxic relationship? Have you been a victim of a toxic relationship?
In the chemical industry, toxicity is always a concern with certain chemicals. We are always made aware of the toxicity of the things we work with and how to safely handle them through labels or safety data sheets. In some cases, we have to put on layers of protective equipment to protect us from exposure to the toxic chemical. It is the awareness that something is toxic that triggers our response to protect ourselves with additional safety gear.
In relationships, we often don’t receive this awareness. There are no labels or documents that come with the people we are engaged in a relationship with. The toxicity is not revealed until we are embedded in the relationship. In some cases, as with a family member, it has always been a part of our life. And in many instances, it goes unrealized, it’s just normal.
What does a toxic relationship look like? Webster defines toxic as containing poisonous material that is capable of death. If you have been in or are in a relationship with a spouse, a friend, or a family member and you feel they are draining the life out of you, there is a high probability you were in or still are in a toxic relationship.
So, how do you deal with toxicity, especially with people you love? How do you protect yourself from the poison that is capable of death, death of your spirit? Perhaps the answer is the armor of God?
What do you think the armor of God is that is mentioned in Ephesians 6:14-17? I think the armor of God that is stated in Ephesians is Jesus, the truth that gives us righteousness through His love and His peace that no one can take away. It is our faith in this truth, love and peace and it is the Holy Spirit that guides us in the word of God, establishing our faith in Christ.
You may say, okay that’s nice. I get that but how does this help me in my toxic relationship or dealing with the affects of a past toxic relationship?
If the relationship is life threatening, seek help. You may need to leave the relationship.
If the relationship is causing spiritual death or has caused spiritual death, start in prayer. Seek God’s help. Pray for the person and forgive the person. Embrace the word of God by reading the Bible. Embrace the forgiveness and love of Christ. Soak up Christ’s peace through the Eucharist and know that the person cannot take this away unless you allow them to. Become a warrior with the armor of God on and the army of your community supporting you on the battlefield in prayer.
We alone cannot fight toxicity but God can do it for us. It is our faith and trust in Him that allow us to wear His armor and shield our hearts from the venom present in the relationship. Don’t allow toxicity to poison you and cause spiritual death within you. Protect yourself with “the armor of God”.
