When we look throughout Scripture, we see that it’s all about relationships. Our God is relational, and He made us to be the same. He made us to need each other. As believers, we know that we are the body of Christ, depending on God and one another. But can that dependency get distorted? Where do healthy boundaries fit in within this framework? Today, we are joined by Ellen Dykas. Ellen oversees the Women’s Ministry at Harvest USA. Harvest USA is an organization that seeks to disciple women who struggle with sexual and relationship sins, and they also work to equip churches to help people who deal with gender and sexuality issues.
In this episode, Ellen helps us understand toxic relationships. Even though God created us to need each other, the reality of codependency is outside of His good design. Codependency is like idolatry in Scripture! As we discuss in this conversation, there are many ways that sin can threaten the relational health and wholeness that God wants us to have. Our culture likes to label these relationships “toxic”, and the prescribed solution is to “cut people out”. But what does Scripture say? Believers ought to be diligent against these types of relationships, and we believe that the Bible offers us sound guidance in navigating toxic relationships.
You can find Ellen on Instagram at @ellenmarydykas. Be sure to also check out Harvest USA.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ by Ellen Dykas
“6 Ways to Watch Your Heart in Ministry” by Ellen Dykas (via The Gospel Coalition)
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Edges of His Ways: Selections for Daily Reading by Amy Carmichael
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
Harvest USA
“When a Friendship Becomes Co-Dependent” by Ellen Dykas (via The Gospel Coalition)
Scripture mentioned in this episode:
Psalm 139:23-24
Galatians 6:1-2
Luke 4:18
Romans 2:4
1 John 5:2-3
Psalm 16:1-4
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The opinions of guests on the Daily Grace podcast do not represent the opinions of The Daily Grace Co., and we do not necessarily endorse the resources that they recommend or mention on the show. We believe it is valuable to hear from a variety of guests, even if we do not agree in all areas. As always, the statements made by hosts and guests on the show should be tested against God's Word, the only authority on truth.
We want to invite women to join us in our conversation about our great God, and be encouraged to seek a deeper knowledge of God that leads them to live their lives for God’s glory as they grow in love and awe in response to who He is.