As Christians, we are called to love others and to live in peace. However, there are times when certain relationships can become toxic or detrimental to our spiritual well-being. The Bible offers wisdom about how to deal with people who may be harmful to our emotional, mental, and spiritual health. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove certain individuals from our lives to protect our relationship with God and grow in our faith.
In this article, we will explore 27 Bible verses that offer guidance on removing people from your life, along with the biblical principles behind these actions.
1. Matthew 18:15-17 – Addressing Conflict Directly
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
In this passage, Jesus outlines a process for addressing conflict in relationships. If someone is causing harm, it is essential to address it directly. If they refuse to change after multiple attempts at reconciliation, it may be necessary to distance yourself from them, just as one would with someone who is outside the faith.
2. Proverbs 13:20 – The Importance of Good Company
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the impact that the people we surround ourselves with can have on our lives. If we continue to associate with those who make foolish decisions, we will also face the consequences. Removing ourselves from such relationships can help us live more wisely.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad Company Corrupts Good Character
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Paul warns the Corinthians that the wrong influences can lead them astray. A person’s character can be deeply influenced by their relationships. If a relationship is pulling you away from your faith or causing spiritual harm, it may be time to remove that person from your life.
4. Proverbs 22:24-25 – Avoiding Anger-Fueled Relationships
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
People who have uncontrollable tempers can lead us into unhealthy behavior. If you find yourself constantly in conflict or stress because of someone’s anger, it may be wise to set boundaries or remove that person from your life to protect your peace.
5. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – Warning About Wicked People
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
Paul provides a list of characteristics of people who are not living according to God’s ways. He urges believers to avoid such individuals, especially if their behavior influences or harms your spiritual walk.
6. Romans 16:17-18 – Avoiding Divisive People
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Divisive individuals who spread false teaching or cause division should be avoided. They are not working for Christ, and their actions can damage your spiritual health.
7. Titus 3:10-11 – Rejecting a Divisive Person
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”
When someone repeatedly causes division or refuses to follow sound doctrine, Paul advises us to distance ourselves from them.
8. Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Your heart, or inner being, is affected by the people around you. Toxic relationships can pollute your thoughts, emotions, and decisions. It’s essential to guard your heart by removing people who influence you negatively.
9. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 – Not Associating with the Wicked
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
Paul advises the Corinthians to avoid associating with those who claim to be believers but are living in sin. If someone is continuing in sin without repentance, it may be necessary to remove them from your inner circle.
10. Psalm 1:1 – Blessing of Avoiding the Wicked
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
This verse encourages believers to avoid the company of those who mock God or live in sin. Doing so ensures that we remain spiritually healthy and focused on God’s will.
11. 2 John 1:10-11 – Not Welcoming False Teachers
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”
The apostle John warns against welcoming people who bring false teachings into our homes or lives. Such individuals can mislead us and harm our faith.
12. Proverbs 12:26 – The Righteous Choose Their Friends Carefully
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
Choosing friends wisely is a principle from Proverbs. The people we associate with can either strengthen or weaken our relationship with God.
13. Hebrews 12:15 – Avoiding Bitterness and Division
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Bitterness and division can poison relationships and cause long-term harm. Removing yourself from people who harbor bitterness can help prevent this from affecting your own heart.
14. Proverbs 16:29 – The Danger of Deceptive People
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
Deceptive or manipulative people can lead us into harmful decisions. It’s important to be aware of such people and protect yourself from their influence.
15. Galatians 5:19-21 – The Acts of the Flesh
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul warns that people who live according to the acts of the flesh are not aligned with God’s will. If such people are influencing your life, it may be necessary to distance yourself.
16. Matthew 7:6 – Not Giving What Is Holy to Dogs
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
Jesus teaches us that there are certain people who are not open to the truth of God’s word. Engaging in unfruitful relationships with them can waste your time and energy.
17. 1 Peter 4:3 – Living in the Past vs. Moving Forward
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”
Peter reminds believers that our past should no longer dictate our future. If certain people keep pulling you back into old habits, it’s time to let them go.
18. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do Not Be Unequally Yoked
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse warns against forming close relationships with those who do not share your faith. Being unequally yoked can lead to spiritual conflict and hinder your growth in Christ.
19. Proverbs 14:7 – Leave Foolishness Behind
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
Foolishness can prevent us from growing in wisdom and knowledge. Avoiding foolish individuals can help keep us on the right path.
20. Psalm 26:4-5 – Avoiding Hypocrites
“I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.”
David expresses his commitment to avoiding those who live in hypocrisy or deceit. Such individuals can negatively affect our relationship with God.
21. Luke 10:10-11 – Rejection of Those Who Reject the Gospel
“But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you.'”
Jesus teaches us that if people reject the truth, we should move on and not waste our time with those who will not listen. This applies to relationships that are spiritually unfruitful.
22. 1 John 2:19 – The Departure of False Believers
“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.”
John describes how some individuals may leave the fellowship of believers because they were never truly committed. If people in your life are leading you away from your faith, it may be time to distance yourself.
23. Proverbs 15:33 – The Importance of Wisdom in Relationships
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.”
Wisdom helps us discern who is worth our time and energy. People who lack wisdom may lead us into destructive paths.
24. Matthew 10:14 – Shaking the Dust Off
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”
Jesus advises that if our message is not received, we should move on. Similarly, if a relationship is not healthy or conducive to your spiritual growth, it may be time to let go.
25. Proverbs 23:20-21 – Avoiding Gluttons and Drunkards
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
The Bible warns against associating with people who indulge in harmful habits. Such behavior can lead to financial, emotional, and spiritual poverty.
26. 2 Corinthians 6:17 – Come Out and Be Separate
“Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
This verse teaches the importance of separating from those who live in sin or oppose God’s will for our lives. Our holiness requires us to avoid harmful relationships.
27. Proverbs 25:26 – A Righteous Person Falling into Wickedness
“Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.”
When a righteous person allows themselves to be influenced by the wicked, it leads to pollution of the soul. Removing such influences is necessary to maintain spiritual health.
conclusion
In conclusion, while the Bible encourages love and peace, it also provides clear instructions on how to handle relationships that hinder our growth in Christ. Whether it’s through direct confrontation, setting boundaries, or even completely removing toxic individuals from our lives, Scripture teaches us that protecting our relationship with God is paramount. Always remember, removing harmful influences is not about hatred, but about maintaining holiness and peace in our lives.
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