The Heart of Darkness and New Hope

So we are continuing to answer the real questions of life.  Here is today's:

"This week I have been praying about this question:  ‘Is there some point that its ok to totally turn someone over to God’s care and make the choice to not walk alongside them anymore because they are abusive, threatening, cruel due to active addiction?"

We can all experience the struggle that comes through relationships.  That's one of the reasons why people shy away from being open and honest with each other--once you get hurt, you automatically protect yourself.  This is even more prevalent in chronic situations, as the pain can go very, very deep.

There are far too many variables to address in this simple question, but I will offer two things that come from God's word. . . .

The first is this: Yes, there are times when it becomes necessary to part ways with someone.  If you are dealing with another Follower of Jesus, then there can be times when it becomes necessary to have some distance from them (Matthew 18:15-18). 
But there is something very important to remember here--as Jesus Followers, we know there will be times when we will be hurt because we belong to Him.  Luke 6: 22 says "Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man."  If you are dealing with someone who is in addiction, then there will times when that person attacks you, and maybe even attacks you because of your actions based on your relationship with Jesus. 
So don't respond to this person out of a sense of being hurt, but instead, address the situation out of a desire to do what Jesus thinks is best.  That might mean 'cutting them loose' but again, and I can't stress this enough, this needs to be done out of a sense of direction from the Holy Spirit and searching out His Word.

The second thing I would want to say is this:  Even though a time may come when it is appropriate to walk away from someone, Jesus Followers are never given permission to stop loving that person.  This comes through again and again in scripture.  Luke 6:27 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

In the heat of the battle it may seem the most useless thing to do--to show love.  But not only do I believe this is the right thing to do, I have seen firsthand how love can transform the hardest heart.  Try and remember this:  a heart that is hardened is a heart that has been confused by the Enemy.  What is most needed is to be shown the heart of God and rely on Him to lead the way.

As I write this I am hoping that God is shining a new hope in you where there was darkness before.  I certainly don't have all the answers, but God knows the best way for you.  If your situation is desperate then there is no better place to go than to the Heavenly Father and ask for His help.

Many blessings on you today.

BT