Yes, I think He calls on us to do that for our part. In other words, not to let any root of bitterness arise within US; not to allow their sin to destroy our love. But loving and forgiving doesn’t mean not helping others be accountable for their behaviors, and especially not helping our sisters and brothers in Christ see how their actions have hurt or damaged us or others. But it sure makes a difference when that accountability is coming at them wrapped up in the forgiveness and love of a fellow sinner who knows that Christ’s forgiveness covers us all.
Destructive relationships can mean a lot of things. For example, I know a young man who has entirely cut off communication with his mom and dad because they won’t call him by his preferred feminine pronouns. He regards their relationship as destructive, and so he is avoiding them. And that’s really sad. Because they love him dearly and that’s why they can’t agree with the path he’s chosen. So I think we need to be careful when characterizing relationships as “destructive.” If we mean they are physically abusive or emotionally manipulative, that’s a different thing, of course. Either way, we pray for forgiveness for those who wrong us and we ask God to bless them. If we remove ourselves from a dangerous relationship, let’s do it wrapped in prayers for the person’s repentance and forgiveness, and with an openness to a restored relationship should God’s grace change them. Does that help?
@@willcweedon yes, Pastor, that helps. My situation is familial and goes back decades. I’m just happier when I’m away from my sibling who is the most negative and critical person I know. And thank you for taking the time to respond.
