God-Dependent, Not People-Dependent
Some of us grew up thinking the highest Christian virtue was being needed. We thought that saying “yes” to every favor, fixing everyone’s problems, and carrying the emotional weight of the world was just another way of “laying down our life.” But somewhere along the way, what looked like selflessness started looking a lot more like stress, exhaustion, and—let’s call it what it is—codependency.
Let’s be clear: loving others is biblical. But losing yourself trying to manage their moods, decisions, and drama? That’s a burden God never asked you to carry.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant” (Galatians 1:10, NLT). That verse stings a little. Especially for those of us who panic when someone is even slightly disappointed in us.
Here’s the thing: God calls us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), not be someone else’s Savior. That job is already taken—and Jesus is way better at it.
When our sense of worth hinges on how needed we feel, we start functioning like spiritual emotional support animals instead of image-bearers of God. And let’s be honest—emotional support animals get worn out too.
The good news? You don’t have to live like that.
Freedom from codependency isn’t about becoming cold or cutting people off. It’s about learning where your responsibility ends and God’s begins. It’s about depending on Him for your identity, approval, and strength—not on others’ reactions or needs.
Jesus modeled perfect love with healthy boundaries. He pulled away to pray. He didn’t meet every demand. And He didn’t let guilt drive His decisions. (Imagine that!)
If you’re feeling stretched thin, constantly walking on eggshells, or stuck in cycles of rescuing others at the cost of your own peace—maybe it’s time to talk. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is schedule a counseling appointment and start untangling where God’s grace ends and your people-pleasing begins.
You were not created to be everyone’s fixer. You were made to reflect the heart of the One who already holds it all together.
Let’s stop wearing ourselves out trying to be the glue—and start trusting the God who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17).
Need support in finding that freedom? Schedule a session today and take the first brave step toward God-dependence, not people-dependence.
