7 Days of Hope for Overcoming Eating DisordersSample

The Value of Relationships

As you learn to guard your heart from what triggers you, it’s also vital to be honest with yourself and decide if you need protection against toxic relationships. This can be so tricky, because toxic relationships aren’t always toxic. Sometimes everything is amazing and you are on top of the world, then out of nowhere, it all comes crashing down and you find yourself questioning your worth.

As you focus on your healing, consistency is key, and cutting out relationships that do not consistently please the heart of God will do wonders for your progress. Scripture is very clear about this.

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. (Proverbs 24:6)

The abundance of scripture advising us about who we should surround ourselves with proves how much it matters to God. It is essential to our overall well-being, and our ability to do the work of God at our fullest potential. Are the people closest to you striving to be who God created them to be? Are they advising you with the wisdom and truth of God’s word? Do they encourage you and build you up? If the answer is no, then maybe it is time to reconsider those relationships. No one is perfect, but the people we choose to share our hearts with and keep close should consistently make us want to be our best selves.

If the relationship causing you harm is a parent you live with, or possibly a spouse, you may benefit from seeking professional help from a counselor to assess what is best for your health. This, along with diligent prayer, can produce miracles in a broken relationship.