When to Walk Away

By: Gary Thomas

Narrated by: Gary Thomas

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Your life's calling is too important to let toxic people take it away. In When to Walk Away, Gary Thomas - best-selling author of Sacred Marriage - draws from biblical and modern stories to equip you with practical insights to handle toxic people in your life 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 the only 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. 

Best-selling author of Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas, looks at biblical examples from the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Nehemiah. Drawing from years serving as a pastor, Thomas shares modern stories and practical examples for dealing with the toxic people in our lives. Each chapter includes insightful 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.  

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Gary L. Thomas (P)2019 Zondervan

Fantastic book!

I've read multiple books on this subject, and this book was by far, the very best one I've ever listened to. Reassuring me that I'm not insane, practical ways to handle different relationships, and the confidence to walk out my own wellbeing without condemnation. Another book knocked out of the park by Gary Thomas. Thank you!!

3 people found this helpful

Dealing with toxic people correctly

Having a hard time dealing with someone who takes advantage of you and others? What about being in a difficult relationship with someone who tears you apart; what do you do? Gary Thomas explains various situations where everyone needs to Walk Away. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult relationships in everyday life. There are times it is necessary for each of us to walk away from toxic people, from Church, to marriage, and to workplace relationships. Gary uses good counseling techniques and Biblical passages to explain the why, how and what of When to Walk Away. I highly recommend this book to you.

2 people found this helpful

Helped me walk away from a toxic situation

Loved the whole book. Nothing contradicted the Bible. It helped me see that sometimes to be the best Christian I can walking away is the best thing to do.

2 people found this helpful

ABSOLUTELY A MUST READ/HEAR

Tremendous wisdom and truth in this one! I will recommend it to everyone for healing.

2 people found this helpful

True freedom from toxic people.

This book is an excellent resource for the body of Christ to navigate the toxic relationships we all find ourselves in from time to time.

1 person found this helpful

A fantastically healing read!!!

This book came into my hands at a time when I needed affirmation from above. The scriptural insights (that were more than plentiful) reinforced what I knew God had been communicating to me for months. From God’s heart to Gary’s pen to my ears.

Most books with similarly telling titles don’t spend the time this one did laying out the effort to preserve relationship. I could sense his heart in that effort.

Just a few of the MANY epiphanies I had while reading When to Walk Away...
...Labeling toxic people and toxic behavior is necessary to resolve relationships and establish boundaries.
...Realizing that healthy techniques used on unhealthy people will never produce healthy results.
...Understanding that we are not responsible for the unhealthy responses from unhealthy people as a result of our healthy choices.
...It is impossible to follow God and do what He has called us to do, so long as we remain trapped in the cycle of toxic people and their toxic behavior.
...God doesn’t control us, so it’s wrong for me to think I could/should control the behavior of others. BUT, Jesus did not stick around for toxic behavior, and He did not chase after those who had no intention of following Him.

This book was healing, affirming, encouraging, and searching. I was even able to recognize areas in my own life that had been toxic as a result of guarding against past hurt.

I could not recommend this book more highly.

1 person found this helpful

Great book

very good book totally recommend., helps you make more adequate choices. will read again, thank you

1 person found this helpful

so good!

Love the truth and wisdom in this book! Every one should examine themselves to make certain the are not toxic...Ever!! Great book!

1 person found this helpful

When to move on from a Biblical perspective

So much "christianese" messes people up to feel guilty into staying long passed the time to leave. I'm thankful for this book and the authors' use of the Word in a rational and sound way.

Awesome!!!

It truly changed my life! I lost way too much time focusing on a toxic person! I discovered this book just in time! Love it!

Hugely helpful

I have not come across a book that dealt with this issue before. Helping me to see that Jesus did indeed share in all of my humanity. Scripture shows me a better way.

really important book for church leaders

I love Gary Thomas clear writing style. the way he explains what he is and isnt saying. it helped alot with reviewing past decisions. He displays both wisdom and sound biblical backup. this is a tricky subject as labelling other people as toxic is serious.