When to Walk Away Bible Study Guide
Finding Freedom from Toxic People
- Bible Studies & Devotionals
- Publisher: HarperChristian Resources
- Published: 2019
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
In this six-session video Bible study (DVD/streaming video not included), bestselling author Gary Thomas draws on Jesus' example to teach us how to handle difficult relationships—and to help us discern when we should walk away. As Christians, we may feel that imitating Christ's love means we must always meet the needs of unhealthy people in our lives and endure poisonous relationships. Many of us have dealt with toxic individuals who drain us of our joy and peace—who never seem to change no matter how long we wait or how hard we pray. It's a hard truth, but sometimes the best course is to distance ourselves from certain relationships and dedicate our energy elsewhere. Drawing from years of pastoral experience, Gary Thomas looks at biblical examples from the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Nehemiah to give you insightful, biblical wisdom that you can apply right away to the relationships around you. You'll discover how to: Learn the difference between difficult people and toxic people. Find refuge in God when you feel under attack. Discern when "enough is enough" and when to "wait it out." Keep a tender heart even in unhealthy relationships. Strengthen your defense and set healthy boundaries. Grow your inner strength and invest in reliable people. We can't let others steal our joy or our mission. It's time to follow Jesus' example to walk away from toxic people and walk toward healthy relationships. And as we do, it frees us to focus completely on the purpose that God has established for our lives. The When to Walk Away Study Guide includes teaching notes, discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. Designed for use with the When to Walk Away Video Study (9780310110361) available on DVD or streaming video, sold separately.
Endorsements (8)
“Toxic people can drain our lives, rob us of our joy, and worse. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the skills to address these individuals in the best way possible. We know we are to love, forgive, and be patient, but those aren’t God’s only solutions. Gary Thomas has done a masterful job of showing us how and when to confront in the right way, how to guard one’s heart, and, most importantly, when to walk away. His comprehensive treatment of the many times Jesus chose to leave a person or a situation provides overwhelming encouragement in learning to love well, truth well, and behave well. Highly recommended.”
“Gary Thomas has done it again. He’s given us a biblically grounded pathway toward healthy living—especially in our relationships. In When to”
“This book is a must-read. There is no more confusing or pressing question for many of us than this one, and Gary Thomas brilliantly, sensitively, and pastorally gives us a path forward. I’m grateful for this book, and I’ll be buying ten copies and handing them out to many!”
“Toxic relationships leave us bewildered and drained, and we all experience them, some closer to home than others. If you are wondering what to do next and unsure of what God has to say, Gary Thomas has written this practical and helpful book for you.”
“Grace and forgiveness are critical components of the Christian life. But the Bible also offers instruction for those times and situations when we encounter people who are so destructive—to individuals and to the work of God’s kingdom—that our wisest course of action is to just “walk away.” Gary Thomas offers solid, biblical counsel for those who are grappling with the destructive influence of a toxic person.”
“Toxic people can be a powerful and destructive force that can create a great deal of harm. As a mental health specialist, I appreciate the carefully crafted wisdom in these pages. You will find biblical truth backed by specific strategies to keep yourself healthy and prevent you from becoming a victim of controlling behavior. I highly recommend When to Walk Away. You will find relief and hope in these pages.”
“Although we are called to love unconditionally, God does not require us to persevere in relationships that are toxic, dangerous, and soul crushing. This is especially good news for individuals in destructive marriages. The chapter on toxic marriage is so helpful, not just for suffering individuals, but for well-meaning people who often misapply biblical passages to encourage those in toxic marriages to keep enduring for Jesus. God does not value the sanctity of marriage more than the safety and sanity of the people in it.”
“As a Christian woman, I’m often too worried about being nice. Gary Thomas shows us that it’s not about doing what others want but what God wants. Don’t let someone else derail God’s purpose for you! As Gary says, sometimes you have to walk away from something to walk toward what God really wants.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem