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What Does the Bible Say About Enabling? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Enabling?

Introduction

As Christians, we are called to love and support one another. We are encouraged to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to help those in need. Yet, sometimes our desire to assist can lead us to a place where we enable destructive behaviors rather than promote growth and healing.

In this post, we will explore what the Bible says about enabling and how to discern the difference between helping and enabling.

Enabling can be a complex and nuanced issue. It is essential to have a firm understanding of what enabling means and how it can impact our relationships with others.

At its core, enabling involves providing support or assistance that allows a person to continue in their destructive behaviors, rather than confronting the issue and promoting change. In many instances, this kind of support is well-intentioned, but it can ultimately be harmful to the person in need and those around them.

To gain insight into this topic, we will examine various biblical passages that provide guidance on our responsibilities to others and ourselves. We will also consider the difference between helping and enabling, and the importance of boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships.

By exploring these principles, we can learn how to support one another in a way that aligns with God’s will and fosters true growth and healing.

enabling in the Bible

Enabling in the Bible

While the term “enabling” does not appear explicitly in the Bible, there are several passages that speak to the issue indirectly. These verses provide us with wisdom and guidance on how to approach situations where our help may unintentionally contribute to another’s harmful behavior.

1. Proverbs 19:19 (NKJV)

“A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.”

This verse from Proverbs highlights the potential harm in rescuing someone from the consequences of their actions. While it may seem compassionate to protect someone from the immediate repercussions of their behavior, doing so can perpetuate a cycle of destructive choices.

2. Galatians 6:5 (NKJV)

“For each one shall bear his own load.”

In Galatians, the Apostle Paul reminds us that each person is responsible for their actions and choices. Although we are called to support and encourage one another, we must also recognize the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.

3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NKJV)

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”

Here, Paul addresses the need for personal effort and responsibility. By refusing to enable a person who is unwilling to work, we uphold the biblical principle of accountability and promote growth and self-sufficiency.

The Difference Between Helping and Enabling

It is crucial to understand the difference between helping and enabling to navigate complex situations involving friends or family members struggling with destructive behaviors. By distinguishing between the two, we can offer support that aligns with biblical teachings and fosters positive change.

Helping

Helping involves providing assistance that empowers an individual to overcome challenges and grow. It aligns with biblical principles of love, encouragement, and support. When we help others, we act as a resource and an ally in their journey toward healing and growth.

Enabling

Enabling, on the other hand, occurs when our assistance allows a person to continue in their harmful behaviors without facing the consequences. This kind of support, while well-intentioned, can ultimately hinder growth and prolong suffering.

Establishing Boundaries

An essential aspect of avoiding enabling behavior is establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. Boundaries help protect our emotional, mental, and physical well-being while allowing us to maintain compassionate and supportive relationships.

1. Matthew 5:37 (NKJV)

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Jesus teaches us the importance of being clear and straightforward in our communication. By establishing firm boundaries and communicating them clearly, we can avoid enabling behaviors and maintain healthy relationships.

2. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”

This verse from Proverbs emphasizes the need to protect our hearts and minds by setting appropriate boundaries. In doing so, we can support others without compromising our well-being or enabling destructive behaviors.

3. Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)

“But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—”

In Ephesians, Paul reminds us to speak the truth in love, which is an essential aspect of setting boundaries. By being honest and loving in our interactions with others, we can foster growth and healing without enabling harmful behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible offers valuable insights into the issue of enabling and how to approach situations where our support may unintentionally contribute to destructive behaviors.

By understanding the difference between helping and enabling, we can offer assistance that aligns with biblical teachings and promotes growth and healing.

Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is essential in avoiding enabling behaviors and fostering positive change. By applying biblical principles and seeking God’s guidance, we can navigate complex situations with wisdom and compassion.

As followers of Christ, we are called to love and support one another in ways that honor God and promote growth. By understanding the dangers of enabling and striving to maintain healthy boundaries, we can better fulfill our calling to bear one another’s burdens and walk alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.