Codependency, dependent personality disorder, toxic relationships—these are popular terms in counseling and psychology. But as Christians, we want to understand how they fit with or overlap the sin patterns we read about in Scripture. In this talk, recorded at TGCW24, Ellen Mary Dykas shows how God’s Word addresses common-to-man temptations.
Dykas talks about how to diagnose relational idolatry in our lives, bring real help and healing to those around us, and take steps of faith toward loving people without craving or worshiping them.
In This Episode
0:00 – Relational wholeness introduction and personal journey
2:35 – Overview of relationships in society
6:47 – Sin’s effects on relationships
8:58 – Codependency and relational idolatry
14:18 – Biblical perspective on codependency
23:27 – Diagnostic tools for relational health
29:27 – Path to wholeness and change
41:16 – Practical steps for relational recalibration
Resources Mentioned
When People Are Big and God Is Small by Ed Welch
Friend-ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion by Kelly Needham
Toxic Relationships: Taking Refuge in Christ by Ellen Mary Dykas
Jesus and Your Unwanted Journey by Ellen Mary Dykas
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