Relationship Red Flags

Relationships are a fundamental aspect of our lives, and we all desire to have healthy and positive connections with the people around us. Unfortunately, some relationships can be detrimental to our well-being, leading to pain, hurt, and scars. In the 'Love Hurts Series,' we explore the warning signs and red flags to look out for in relationships to avoid getting hurt. Our foundational verse is Proverbs 13:20, which advises us to walk with the wise and avoid associating with fools.

In Ephesians 4:26-5:8, we find a section of God's Word that talks bluntly about the warning signs of people who behave like fools and bring unwanted trouble into our lives. We examine four points that serve as red flags to avoid unhelpful relationships.

RED FLAG #1 - ANGRY PEOPLE
The first warning is "don't hang with angry people." In a world filled with anger, it is easy to get upset and angry about something. However, we should not let anger control us. Ephesians 4:26 advises us not to sin by letting anger control us and not to let the sun go down while we are still angry. Anger gives the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). We need to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander (Ephesians 4:31). If we let anger fester and get infected, it will catch our whole house on fire, and the devil will maximize the damage.

RED FLAG #2 - DISHONEST PEOPLE
The second warning is "don't hang with dishonest people." Ephesians 4:25 says, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." Honesty is vital in any relationship, and we should avoid people who lie, deceive, or manipulate us. Dishonest people destroy trust and create chaos, and we should be careful about becoming too close with with them.

RED FLAG #3 - SELFISH PEOPLE
The third warning is "don't hang with selfish people." Ephesians 5:2 says, "Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Love is selfless and sacrificial, and we should avoid people who are selfish, self-centered, and only care about their interests. Selfish people drain us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, and we should be discernin in our relationships with them.

RED FLAG #4 - UNGODLY PEOPLE
The fourth warning is "don't hang with ungodly people." Ephesians 5:3-7 warns us not to associate with people who engage in sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talk, crude joking, and idolatry. These behaviors are contrary to God's Word and will harm us spiritually and emotionally. We should be wise in hoe we relate with people who indulge in such behaviors and encourage us to do the same. Our goal is to point them to Jesus, not let them point us to the world.

In conclusion, God's Word warns us about the red flags to look out for in relationships. We should avoid hanging out with angry, dishonest, selfish, and ungodly people. These behaviors will bring unwanted trouble and pain into our lives and lead us away from God's plan for our lives. Let us walk with the wise and become wise, as we seek to build healthy and positive relationships that honor God.