“If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.”
Richard Bach
We all have people in our lives who bug us, bring us down, don’t understand us, are not a positive influence on us. What are we to do when a relationship becomes unhealthy for both individuals? The answer may be simply letting go of that relationship. Sounds easy enough, but for most of us, doing so is not only difficult, but it takes us out of our comfort zone.
When the situation becomes too much to handle, we find it tough to let go. Yet, in order to begin fresh, we have to let go of the things that have a toxic effect on us. A form of tough love is required. Releasing that person is sometimes the only way to deal with them. In fact, you may even be showing them a stronger love by doing so.
When you’ve tried to mend a relationship and nothing works – when you’re stuck in a mundane job that’s going nowhere – when you’ve tried to maintain a good attitude – when your friends turn against you, we simply have to look at things differently. We have the ability to free ourselves and others and through that letting go, we’re showing a certain amount of mercy. We’re making it easier for life to progress rather than regress.
There are things to consider though. You may lose someone you care about – you might regret it – you can feel a lot of guilt. Guilt in turn nags at us like a dripping faucet and it can’t be repaired easily, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be. Sometimes a period of absence allows you to discover new avenues or find a way to mend the old ones.
We all have people in our lives that drag us down or don’t allow us to flourish. Jesus told us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, but He also told us not to conform to the world’s standards.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Roman 12:2
Sometimes letting go is the only option.
atimetoshare.me 
“A form of tough love is required. Releasing that person is sometimes the only way to deal with them. In fact, you may even be showing them a stronger love by doing so.”
Sis, this is something that is hardly ever taught let alone discussed and yet as a True Christian, it is truly something that we may have to face and be willing to do what is necessary. My wife and I have had to in our lives if we were to continue to follow after the Lord. It isn’t always easy as you stated, but sometimes, it is just plain necessary. When we can love Christ more than something or someone who is always negative (in an especially eternal sense) we are the winners, despite the drama! Thanks Sis; this is a comforting confirmation to me!
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Thanks for your encouragement. As Christians were to love those who don’t return our love, but when they get on the way of our relationship with God it is better to step away.
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Kathy, it’s interesting you post this today. This is just how God works. I’ve done just that recently–let go. It becomes too much. I’ve always had high expectations on myself and therefore, I’ve placed high on others, which isn’t fair. All I’ve ever wanted is just kindness. And good ol’ good manners. We live in a society of boundaries, technology, “self love” (vs. selflessness), and I’m just letting go of some things that will never change. God bless you my friend. Love and hugs! Karla
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I think you’re wise to let go of the things you can’t control or at least place them on God’s caring hands. I also know it’s hard to let go. We’ve had many of those experiences in a lifetime. It is true however that when one door closes another will open, giving us new opportunities to share God’s love and pray for our world.
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Thank you. Yes, I’ve learned this many times in my life this far. And in God’s hands is the best place to leave it. You’re response is so lovely and true. đŸ’›
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