7 Things You Should Never Feel Guilty For

As followers of Christ, God asks us to be many things - charitable, forgiving, humble, steadfast, and kind but HE doesn't ask this of us at the expense of our own well-being, self-worth, and sanity.

Toxic people exist in the world and sadly, sometimes they're even disguised as friends and family. Toxic people take aboundingly, manipulate and tend to have no hesitation in bulling over someone (both literally and figuratively) to get what they want and/or get their way.

In fact, I've found that if you are too nice, too charitable, too accommodating, or too quick to forgive they'll hone in on you and take advantage of your kindness. Odder still, toxic people somehow masterfully make you feel guilty for their transgressions when in reality it was you who was the victim.

It takes a person of incredible bravery and strength to say "no more" yet remain unhardened by bitterness and resentments. The scripture tells us to "Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong." {1 Corinthians 16:13}

In other words, God doesn't want us to be a pushover he wants us to set boundaries, he wants us to protect our peace.

So...how do we do it? How do we live in a world full of obstacles, disappointment, and toxic people?

We follow seven simple Bible-based rules of life - and NEVER feel guilty for it!

1. Keep the Faith - God has a plan for your life, plans to prosper you, not to harm you {Jeremiah 29:11} but keep in mind God's timing is perfect, which might not align with your worldly view {Ecclesiasties 3:11}. If you walk with the King and keep your faith, nothing will be impossible for you! {Matthew 17:20}

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27


2. Don't be afraid to Change for the Better - Fear not, for God is with you always.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10


3. Know Your Worth - YOU are a child of God and his love for you is never-ending.

"The Lord does not look at things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -1 Samuel 16:7


4. Protect Your Peace - People probably come to you for help because your light shines bright but when we are stretched thin or pulled in a hundred different directions it is difficult to keep our inner light bright. It's okay to be selective with your time, your talents and your charity.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7


5. Stay True to Your Vision - Set Goals, then Crush Them! When God is with us we cannot fail. Establish your plan, pray about it, work hard for it, and you will succeed!

"Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." -Proverbs 16:3


6. Set Boundaries - You are allowed to say "No!" without explanation. Period.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23


7. Move On & Let God - You are allowed to walk away from anyone or anything that doesn't make you grow closer to God, that depletes your self-worth or darkens your spirit.

"But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. I press toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 3:12

Lastly, it is God's will that you let go of your own transgressions, so long as you have heartfully confessed your sins, you will be forgiven.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9

God Bless,
L. M. Craig