Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #9 — Isolated

Picture: Counsel #9 — Isolated CR 272.1

The saying “it’s too good to be true” may resonate as a pretty cliché phrase to most, but in many marriages, this can turn out to be spot-on. Sometimes, facing the facts regarding a spouse who turned out to be everything you never wanted is just as hard as leaving a marriage you dedicated so much time and energy to. Although leaving is difficult, staying in an unhealthy relationship will prove much more detrimental as time goes on. CR 272.2

God designed relationships to strengthen bonds, not to separate you from healthy support systems. You were never meant to carry everything alone or be someone’s emotional hostage - that kind of “love” is a trap, not a blessing. When a partner tries to cut you off from family and friends, manipulation comes into play. Real, God-centered love doesn’t isolate, and if they say things like, “You don’t need anyone but me,” or get upset when you spend time with others, that relationship isn’t one you want long-term. In every marriage, each individual should have the right to grow in all areas of their life, so don’t trade your freedom for someone else’s control.^[289] CR 272.3

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 NIV CR 272.4

“The followers of Christ are to be separate from the world in principles and interests, but they are not to isolate themselves from the world.” Ellen White in Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 323 CR 272.5

Reflect: Are you free to stay connected to those who love and support you? CR 272.6