Good morning my sweet friend,
During this pandemic, people are suffering. Fear is spreading its ugly face across the nation. Depression is becoming another national pandemic and many are self-medicating with drugs and/or alcohol. Suicide is on the rise and toxic people who were under a guise of control are bursting forth with a shocking vengeance. Two of my dear ones are living with volatile relationships on the verge of explosion.
A short devotional cannot begin to solve their problems, but here are some quick suggestions. First of all, meditate and pray. You must guard your own heart. Stay calm and breathe. When you can walk away from toxic people, you probably should. Even if you just go outside and sit in a lawn chair and allow yourself to regain your composure.
My biggest take-away advice is not to engage. “Don’t repay evil with evil or insult with insult” (1 Peter 3:9). Don’t treat them as they treat you. Don’t offer evil or hurtful words. Do allow space and time for the atmosphere to become peaceful. Make sure that their toxicity does not become yours. Our job is not to be a sin detective and tell people how they are messing up and share your opinion that they are not willing to hear. When sincerely asked, speak the truth, but keep in mind that the other person is not open for feedback in the middle of a heated argument.
Guard your heart, sweet one. Be safe. God loves you and so do I.
Linda