Her Renewed Strength Podcast | Episode 44

Have you ever felt anxious just thinking about having to spend time with someone you love?

Spending time with someone who is always negative, critical, or unkind can, over time, increase your stress and anxiety, and reduce the level of your happiness. The situation is especially hard if the person is a family member or a close friend.

I’ve been there, and the thought alone reminds me of all the complex and layered emotions I have to deal with. It’s a lot. So today we’re going to unpack that a little bit and look at these situations from a biblical perspective, so we can navigate them in a way that honors the Lord.

Grab your Bible, get ready, and let’s dig in!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Learn the biblical perspective in handling people who cause you stress and anxiety so that you can navigate your interactions with them in a way that honors the Lord.

• Identify anyone in your life who triggers your anxiety so you can learn how to interact with them without getting stressed out.

• Discover ways to love others as you love yourself without feeling anxious and live a happy, peaceful life.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Listen To The Episode

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Check out these episode highlights:

02.06 – The friendship I thought I would hold onto forever but realized was giving me anxiety. Even when you’re feeling anxious, you can still love others and love them well.

05.16 – Is there anyone in your life who you feel anxious about when you have to interact with them? Have you ever asked yourself, “Do I love them as I love myself?”.

In Matthew 22:36, Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is. He responds in verses 37-40 by saying, “37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

07.19 – How do we love ourselves? If we’re going to love others, as we love ourselves, we have to understand how we love ourselves.

How do we love others as we love ourselves?

• No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:24)

• Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

10.26 – How do we love others as we love ourselves when we are feeling anxious?
#1 Pray and ask God for help… for courage… for peace… for strength.

• Whatever you’re overthinking, just stop. Give it to Him.

10.13 – #2 Clear and respectful communication.

• It’s very important to be honest with ourselves and others. God hates liars, as Solomon made clear in Proverbs 6:16-17.

• If you have an offering to bring to the altar, and you get to the altar, but you still have a problem with someone else, then leave your offering, go fix your issue with the person that you’re supposed to be fixing it with. (Matthew 5:23-24)

• Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

18.08 – #3 Set a boundary

• God gives us commandments, which, essentially, serve as boundaries for us to remain safe as we roam around with free will.

• To not give in to the desire to lash out at people or to be angry or to be divided, giving into the sin that can stem from anxiety. (Galatians 5:16-18, 22-26)

Key Takeaways:

• Whenever you experience stress or emotional exhaustion over certain topics, it is very important to be honest and upfront about it. Tell the person you don’t want to discuss that topic.

• People behave differently. Instead of worrying about the things you can’t control (i.e. actions or reactions others have), concern yourself with what you can control (i.e. your attitude and actions, including properly prioritizing).

• In times of anxiety, call on God for help. Turn to Him first.

Resource:

• Join our private Bible study group, a great place to find a true connection & support, and real women who are down to do life together.

Connect with me!

• Instagram: @mrsdiazcastro

• Facebook: @emdiazcastro

• Website: Her Renewed Strength

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