Unfinished Business – Week 4

Truly Toxic Traits 

4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, 1 Tim 6:4-5 

•  Chronically negative 
•  Controlling 
•  Charmers

3 questions for you to reflect on:

1.Is there anything within me that is toxic?

Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.24 Point out anything in me that offends you,and lead me along the path of everlasting life.Psalms 139:23-24 

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend,‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5

2.Is there a relationship in my life that is toxic?

16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,”and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

Not what but who was in that season 2 Timothy 2:16-19

3.Do my words build up or do they tear down?

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-31 

Encourage one another and build each other up 1 Thessalonians 5:11