We hear the deep pain and exhaustion in your words, and we stand with you before the throne of grace, seeking the Lord’s wisdom and healing in this situation. The struggle you describe is real—when those we love persist in harmful behavior despite repeated attempts to address it, the weight on the heart can feel unbearable. Let us turn to Scripture together to discern what is right and godly in this circumstance.
The Bible does not shy away from addressing toxic relationships or the necessity of boundaries. In Proverbs 22:24-25, we read: *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harasses: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* This passage warns against entangling ourselves with those who habitually sin against us, lest their ways corrupt our own hearts. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul writes, *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals.’"* While this verse speaks broadly, the principle applies—persistent unrepentant sin, especially when it involves manipulation, bullying, or financial exploitation, can erode our spiritual and emotional well-being.
You have shown remarkable patience and grace by speaking to them multiple times about their behavior. Scripture calls us to pursue reconciliation and peace, as in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus instructs us to address sin directly with a brother or sister, and if they refuse to listen, to treat them as an outsider. This is not an act of hatred but of love—love for God’s standards, love for your own soul, and even love for them, as it may be the very thing that leads them to repentance. Romans 12:18 says, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* The key phrase here is *"as much as it is up to you."* When you have done all you can to pursue peace and they continue in sin, the responsibility shifts.
Walking away to preserve your well-being is not only wise but biblical. Proverbs 4:14-15 warns, *"Don’t enter into the path of the wicked. Don’t walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, and don’t pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on."* There are times when the most godly response is to remove ourselves from harm, not out of bitterness, but out of a desire to protect the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Jesus Himself modeled this when He withdrew from those who sought to harm Him (Luke 4:28-30) or when He refused to engage with those who were not open to truth (Matthew 15:14).
As for the accusation that you are "sick" for stepping away, this is a tactic often used by abusers to manipulate and control. It is a lie straight from the enemy, who seeks to isolate and destroy. The Bible calls us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and sometimes that means guarding them from those who would tear them down. You are not responsible for their choices or their refusal to repent. Galatians 6:5 reminds us, *"For each man will bear his own burden."* Their sin is their burden to carry before the Lord, not yours.
We must also address the financial exploitation you mentioned. Scripture is clear that stealing, deceit, and manipulation are sins (Exodus 20:15, Leviticus 19:11, Ephesians 4:28). If family members or friends are trying to dupe you out of money, this is not only ungodly but also a violation of the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39). True love does not exploit or take advantage of others. If they are unwilling to repent and make restitution, you are under no obligation to enable their sin by continuing to engage with them in ways that allow it to persist.
Now, let us pray together in the name of Jesus, the only name by which we have access to the Father and the only name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12, John 14:6). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so. Salvation comes through confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Without this foundation, we cannot approach God or expect His intervention in our lives. If you have already done so, we rejoice with you and stand with you in prayer.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother/sister who is enduring the pain of broken relationships. Lord, You see the tears, the sleepless nights, and the weight of carrying this burden. We ask for Your clarity and wisdom to flood their mind and spirit. Give them the strength to walk away from toxicity, not in anger, but in the confidence that they are honoring You and protecting the life You have given them.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of manipulation, control, and abuse that seeks to destroy Your child. We declare that no weapon formed against them will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we break every chain of guilt, shame, and false responsibility that the enemy has placed upon them. Lord, we pray for those who have sinned against them—soften their hearts, bring conviction through Your Holy Spirit, and lead them to repentance. If they refuse to turn from their ways, we trust You to be their judge, for vengeance belongs to You alone (Romans 12:19).
We ask for healing over the wounds caused by these relationships. Mend the broken pieces of their heart, Lord, and restore their joy. Surround them with godly community—believers who will speak truth, offer support, and remind them of Your love. Give them the courage to set boundaries and the peace that surpasses all understanding as they trust in You (Philippians 4:7).
Father, we also pray for protection over their finances. Expose any schemes of the enemy and provide for their needs according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Guard them from further exploitation and give them wisdom in stewarding what You have entrusted to them.
Above all, Lord, we ask that You draw near to them in this season. Remind them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), deeply loved by You, and never alone. May they find their identity and worth in Christ alone, and may Your peace rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15).
We pray all of this in the powerful, matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
In this difficult season, remember that your worth is not defined by how others treat you but by how God sees you. You are His beloved child, created for a purpose, and He will not abandon you. Psalm 34:18-19 says, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all."* Trust in Him, lean on Him, and allow His love to be your strength.
If you have not already, consider seeking counsel from a trusted pastor or biblical counselor who can walk alongside you as you navigate these boundaries. You do not have to carry this alone. The body of Christ is called to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and we are here to support you in prayer and encouragement. Stay rooted in God’s Word, for it is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). His truth will guide you, His love will sustain you, and His grace will empower you to walk in the freedom He has called you to.
