When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People

Written by Gary Thomas

Narrated by Gary L. Thomas

Your life's calling is too important to let toxic people take it away. When to Walk Away draws from biblical and modern stories to equip you to handle toxic people and live true to your God-given purpose. 

As Christians, we often feel the guilt and responsibility of meeting the needs of unhealthy people in our lives. Whether a sibling, parent, spouse, coworker, or friend, toxic people frequently seek to frustrate our life's calling. While you're seeking first God's kingdom, they're seeking first to distract your focus and delay your work. 

Instead of attempting the impossible task of mollifying toxic people, it's time we dedicate our energy to a more worthwhile effort: completing the work God has given us by investing in reliable people. It's only when we learn to say no to bad patterns that we can say yes to the good work God has planned for us. 

Drawing from years serving as a pastor, Gary Thomas, bestselling author of Sacred Marriage, looks at biblical examples from the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Nehemiah to give you insightful, biblical takeaways that you can apply right away. You'll discover how to:

• Learn the difference between difficult people and toxic people
• Find refuge in God when you feel under attack
• Discern when to walk away from a toxic situation
• Keep a tender heart even in unhealthy relationships
• Grow your inner strength and invest in reliable people

We can't let others steal our joy or our mission. It's time to strengthen our defense, learn to set healthy boundaries, and focus on our God-given purpose. It's time to know When to Walk Away.

Reference Bible verses are available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: Oct 8, 2019
• ISBN: 9780310355991

Gary Thomas

Gary Thomas's writing and speaking draw people closer to Christ and closer to others. He is the author of twenty books that together have sold more than two million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. These books include Sacred Marriage, Cherish, Married Sex, and the Gold Medallion-award winning Authentic Faith. Gary holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Western Washington University, a master's degree in systematic theology from Regent College (Vancouver, BC), and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Western Seminary (Portland, OR). He serves as a teaching pastor at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Reviews for When to Walk Away

[Brooke Tran · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. Just wow. The information in this book brings so much freedom to those of us in toxic situations. It so clearly defines what abuse is. With lots of sound biblical references it “gave permission” to make a choice that may be necessary to spare my life. I thought I was trapped in this relationship and suicide was my only way out. But I’ve learned that God cares about me so much more than He cares about keeping my marriage in tack while I contemplate slitting my wrist. I know that’s a little graphic but that was my reality. That was my escape route. This book was recommended by my counselor at just the right time. Awesome job and thank you!

[Kelley Parker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must read!! Such insight and healthy advice!! Can’t recommend enough!!

[Leigh Upton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have so much appreciation for this book. Thank you Gary Thomas. I have been married to a narcissist for 27 years, and have lots of healing to do from years of toxic abuse. I am finally free, and healing with God’s help.

[magdimar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great wisdom and practical advice to work with complicated relationships

[Chudi Daniel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good handling of a not too often but very real subject

[Courtney Jacobs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful book that gives Biblical references and insight into toxic people and the importance of not exasperating all your energy on them. How it’s important that we stay mission focused. I would highly recommend this book!

[Jonathan Avila · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Truly helpful and valuable information in this book with scriptural references to support walking away from toxicity.