Jesus walked away from toxic people, and you should too.

In the Gospels, we read that when Jesus spoke a hard truth, sometimes the other person chose to walk away. Other times, the person asked Jesus to leave–and he complied. There were also times when people begged Jesus to stay, but he walked away so he could remain completely focused on the mission God had for him.

As Christians, we often feel the guilt and responsibility of meeting the needs of unhealthy people in our lives. Instead of attempting the impossible task of mollifying toxic people, it's time we dedicate our energy to the only worthwhile effort: completing the work God has given us by investing in reliable people.

Drawing from years serving as a pastor, Gary Thomas looks at biblical examples from the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Nehemiah to give you insightful, biblical takeaways that you can apply right away. You'll discover how to:

• Learn the difference between difficult people and toxic people
• Find refuge in God when you feel under attack
• Discern when to walk away from a toxic situation
• Keep a tender heart even in unhealthy relationships
• Strengthen your defense and set healthy boundaries
• Grow your inner strength and invest in reliable people

We can't let others steal our joy or our mission. It's time to follow Jesus’ example to walk away from toxic people and walk toward healthy relationships. And as we do, it frees us to focus completely on the purpose that God has established for our lives.

Designed for use with the When to Walk Away Study Guide, sold separately.

Breathe new life into your marriage.

What if you stopped looking for a "soul mate" and started looking for a "sole mate" - someone who will live out with you the great purpose of God? What if dating isn't about finding "the one" but making a wise choice so you can better serve the One who loves you most? What if God didn't design relationships to make you happy but to make you holy?

In The Sacred Search, Gary Thomas will transform the way you look at romantic relationships. Whether you are single, dating, or engaged, Gary's unique perspective on dating will prepare you for a satisfying, spiritually enriching marriage even before you walk down the aisle. As Gary reminds us, a good marriage is not something you find-it's something you make.

Everybody Needs The Essentials! That's what you get in this powerful entertaining series from Focus on the Family. Essentials of Parenting brings top childrearing experts into your home or church-with practical wisdom, honest confessions, and decades of experience.

Essentials of Parenting: The Power of Love shows you to enrich and enjoy the bond between your child and yourself. You'll also discover that when it comes to passing along your faith and values, a good relationship with your son or daughter is the sharpest tool in every parent's toolbox.

Learn to Confidently Teach Your Kids About God

Who is shaping what your kids believe?

In these busy, hectic days we take our kids to sports practices, games, music lessons, school tutoring and other activities to give our children the best opportunities for success. But what if we're missing the chance to teach them what matters most?

Our children can grow up smart, athletic, popular and polite but lack a vibrant relationship with Christ. The few hours they spend in church each week can be helpful, but it cannot nurture a faith in our kids that will withstand the trials that are on the horizon. Church alone cannot teach them, we must start at home. But many parents feel ill equipped to develop the faith of their children.

In these six sessions, we will explore biblical and tangible ways that parents—couples, single parents, blended families and grandparents—can build a legacy of faith for their children.

Each Bible study session includes interviews with everyday parents talking about their own doubts, fears and desires. Gary Thomas, Matt Chandler, and Kurt and Olivia Bruner provide powerful teaching that will help you give your kids what they need to build a solid framework for lifelong faith.

In this six-session small group Bible study (guide sold separately), Sacred Marriage, writer and speaker Gary Thomas invites you to see how God can use marriage as a discipline and a motivation to reflect more of the character of Jesus.

Your marriage is much more than a union between you and your spouse. It is a spiritual discipline ideally suited to help you know God more fully and intimately. Sacred Marriage shifts the focus from marital enrichment to spiritual enrichment in ways that can help you love your mate more. Whether it is delightful or difficult, your marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God.

Everything about your marriage—from the history you and your spouse create, to the love you share, to the forgiveness you both offer and seek by turn—is filled with the capacity to help you grow in Christ's character.

Designed for use with the Sacred Marriage Study Guide.