Spiritually toxic people are not a figment of your imagination. They exist.
Far too often, goodhearted, sincere people feel highly uncomfortable—even guilty—for recognizing spiritually toxic people for what they really are. Jesus didn’t.
Though compassionate and gracious toward the sinful, the Savior recognized spiritually toxic people for the swine they are. And He acted and instructed accordingly.
Consider His words of counsel—”Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matthew 7:6). Consider also His example—”Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing” (Luke 23:8-9).
In obedience to God’s Law given to Moses, the Jews viewed pigs as unclean animals (Leviticus 11:26). Obviously, Jesus’ reference to swine in Matthew 7:6 is used figuratively in reference to people who are so spiritually unclean that they find the righteous pearls of truth to be of no value to them and are upset with the one who foolishly gave them such a meaningless gift.
The counsel of Jesus’ righteous judgment is: “Don’t waste your time”.
The exercise of righteous judgment requires the avoidance of spiritually toxic people whenever possible.
