Reflectioning on a relationship...The Codependent Relationship (Part II)

To develop relationships that are healthy and not codependent... RELEASE Responsibility- Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8; Proverbs 29:25

1. Recognize...
2. Examine...
3. Let go of...
4. Extend...
5. Appropriate...
6. Set...
7. Exchange...

If you have codependent behavior, you are trying to get your needs met through a drive to do it all or to be another person's all in all. However, you can travel the road to recovery by releasing your desire to control or change the person you love.

Recognize that you are dependent on a person, and place your dependency on God.

Realize that God did not create you to meet all the needs of another person.


Examine your patterns of codependent thinking.

Don't say yes when you really believe you should say no.


Let go of your "super responsible" menality.

Realize you cannot make another person be dependable or responsible.


Extend forgiveness to those who have caused pain in your past.

Reflect on any emotional or physical abuse you experienced in the past. Determine whom you need to forgive.


Appropriate your identity in Christ.

Know the truth. Believe the truth. Appropriate the truth.


Set healthy boundaries.

Communicate the necessity for change. Establish what your limits of responsibility will be. Establish your limits of involvement. Maintain honest communication without indulging in abusive language.


Exchange your emotional energy for spiritual energy.

Put God and your spiritual growth as your first priority. Redirect your thoughts to the Lord. Talk to God.




Resource: When People Are Big and God Is Small; Edward T. Welch
Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing

For more information on Codependency visit: http://www.codependents.org/