About this episode

Jennifer Slattery and Dr. Michelle Bengtson discuss recognizing toxic relationships and establishing healthy boundaries while maintaining hope and forgiveness.

Sometimes relationships remain painfully stuck despite our prayers, countless conversations, forgiveness and every effort to make things better. When someone we love continues in unhealthy patterns, we can find ourselves replaying every interaction, questioning our decisions and wondering if we simply haven't tried or prayed hard enough. Or, we might question our perspective, wondering if we're being overly sensitive and simply need to offer more grace. Yet, we still hurt and our anxiety remains. In this episode, Jennifer Slattery and neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Bengtson explore how to accept difficult realities without losing hope, recognize unhealthy relational patterns, establish wise boundaries and guard our hearts against bitterness while remaining open to God's work. Together, they discuss the difference between reconciliation and responsibility, why forgiveness frees our own souls and how we can experience lasting peace even when someone we love chooses not to change. Scriptures Discussed Romans 12:18, John 13, Matthew 18:21–22, James 1:5, Matthew 5:44, Ephesians 4:31–32 Dr. Michelle Bengtson book: Sacred Scars: Resting in God's…

People in this episode

Host: Jennifer Slattery

Guest: Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Topics covered

• toxic relationships
• boundaries
• forgiveness
• anxiety
• hope
• spiritual growth

Keywords

• toxic relationships
• boundaries
• forgiveness
• anxiety
• spiritual growth
• hope
• emotional health

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted

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• How to Experience Strength for Overwhelming Assignments Through the Names of God · July 7, 2026 · 31 min
• How to Stop Letting Conflict Control Your Emotions · June 23, 2026 · 37 min
• Healthy Boundaries for Compassionate People · June 16, 2026 · 34 min

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