Victor,
The points you have made above are exceedingly valid. The men whom started the "Organisation" were decidedly dysfunctional in their own lives and behavior patterns. Is it a wonder that much of this has been translated into a definition of divine love? Theological love?
For those who don't know the signs of toxic love in a relationship ect..
Have you ever taken a big bite out of a plum you thought was ripe and winced at the sour taste? Every cell in your mouth screamed out in defense, "Spit it out before you get sick!"
Ever felt like running away from a JW???
Our bodies were designed to warn us of potentially harmful things, like unripe fruit in order to keep us from getting sick. In the same way, we recognize whether someone is led by the Spirit by how healthy the fruit is in his or her life. Healthy love is a natural product, or fruit, of the Spirit living inside of us. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love ..."
It may be difficult for you to understand the difference between healthy love and toxic love. After all, if you have only experienced toxic love, how can you even know what healthy love "looks" like? You must learn to recognize the warning signals of a love that is "not ripe" or toxic.
Toxic Love is.....firstly,"poisonous"
Verbally assaulting
Controlling
Guilt manipulative or emotionally abusive mind controlling behavior.
Dishonest
Cruel
Revengeful
Abusive, which can be physical..........
If any of these things reside in any relationship in your life it would be considered toxic.
Thankyou Victor for bringing this subject up.
I am getting the distinct feeling I should have posted this on my own thread as well.
However, self analysis is not an easy feat.
Ana