Biblical Help for Codependency

Have you ever found yourself striving to please other people at all costs? Have you ever found yourself addicted to the approval of others? On a recent episode of Your Hope Filled Perspective, I had the opportunity to talk with Aliene Thompson regarding the painful wounds and ultimately the sacred scars that resulted from her struggle with codependency (listen here: How to Stop People Pleasing and Break the Cycle of Co-Dependency). Now, she shares Biblical help for overcoming codependency, outlining the three daily steps she practices to rely on God and live in true freedom.

Biblical Help for Codependency
By Aliene Thompson

What does the Bible Say About Codependency?

While the Bible does not mention the word codependency, it has plenty to say on the idolatry of man, which defines codependency. But so often, codependency is camouflaged inside the church, flying under the radar of good works and the call to serve and help others.

For years I was completely unaware I carried this coping mechanism. On the outside, I was the dependable one – full of “good works,” but on the inside, I was broken. My symptoms included severe people-pleasing, perfectionism, insecurity, a need to perform to prove myself, inability to set boundaries and say “no” and unhealthy relationships.

When life came crashing down, I cried out to God for help, and he took me on a long beautiful journey to FREEDOM!

Are you ready to say goodbye to codependency?

Are you tired of feeling disappointed when others cannot meet your needs and fulfill you?

3 Steps to Take Daily to Depend on God and Live in Freedom

Below are three steps I take daily to depend on God and live in freedom as He intended.

1. Deepen your relationship with God by spending time in God’s Word daily. When you taste God’s Word and how sweet it is, you will no longer NEED words from others. Jesus said it this way – just like you need healthy food to fuel your body, you need healthy love from God everyday expressed in his living words to you (Matthew 4:4). Through the Bible, we can delve into the Word and savor healthy connections through God’s love, eliminating the need for unhealthy affection.

2. Respond to the Holy Spirit and live for God’s reward instead of man’s validation. Living in response to the Holy Spirit will naturally bring the healthy love we seek. Giving joyfully instead of resentfully will be our reward. Just as quitting sugar during a detox initially triggers intense cravings, eventually, the natural sweetness of fruit becomes satisfying. Similarly, immersing ourselves in God’s loving words eliminates the need for validation from others.

3. Daily intimacy with God is the key to conquering codependency. Just as our bodies resist when we cut out sugar, saying no to unhealthy relationships will be challenging. Is God prompting you to establish boundaries this week with toxic connections, or perhaps He is guiding you by closing certain doors for you? DON’T GIVE UP- GET DETERMINED, commit to hearing daily Words from God and applying those words to nurture your God-dependency.

Treasured One, our heavenly Father is the only one who can satisfy our thirst and fill our cup. Without seeking the Lord to fulfill us and sustain us, we become like an old leaky cistern, never able to stay full, but always seeking to be refilled. But you don’t have to live like that… You can surrender it to the Lord and break free from codependency.

Struggling with codependency? Discover 3 simple steps to break free and rely on God's love for true fulfillment. #SacredScars Share on X Tired of seeking approval from others? Learn how daily intimacy with God can help you overcome codependency and live in true freedom. #SacredScars Share on X

About Aliene Thompson

Aliene Thompson, is the founder of Treasured Ministries and the creator of the Nourish Bible Study Method and the author of the Nourish Bible Study Series. Aliene describes herself as a biblical soul strategist, which means that she helps women transform their lives by changing their approach to Bible study and by educating them on how timeless biblical truths heal soul hurts. She is passionate about helping women uncover how timeless biblical truths heal soul hurts. Aliene is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies.