Unhealthy requests refer to requests that are detrimental to one’s wellbeing. It is important to note that the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy activities and relationships attracts unhealthy requests. Let’s strive to develop healthy personalities to keep away from unhealthy situations. BETTY AMUKPO deliberates with children on how to avoid unhealthy requests. Excerpts:
‘Staying in places that are questionable can promote unhealthy requests’
Unhealthy requests, in the social context, will obviously depict things that will not glorify God or dignify the persons involved. Unhealthy requests could come in form of temptations and other events that lower the acceptable standards of societal norms. In relationships, it can be shameful! In Genesis 3: 8, the Bible recorded that after the fall of man, ‘that evening they heard the Lord God walking in the garden and they hid from Him.’ To avoid unhealthy requests, one must seek the grace of God always through prayers and self-mortification. St. Paul in 1st Corinthians 15: 10 said, “But by God’s grace I am what I am and the grace that He gave me was not without effect; for I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” Philippians 4:1 states, “Being idle or staying in a place that is questionable can promote unhealthy requests, for as the saying goes ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop’. Even the Bible in Proverbs 16: 27 reminds us that “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.” In conclusion, one should make efforts constantly as faith without works is dead. James 2: 17-26.
• Okorie Ogechukwu
‘Establish clear guidelines ‘
To avoid unhealthy requests, it’s important to establish clear guidelines about the types of questions or topics that are off-limits, or anything that promotes negativity or harm. Encouraging constructive conversations and providing alternative resources can also help redirect unhealthy inquiries. To avoid unhealthy requests, you can focus on Scriptures that promote wisdom, self-control, and love for others: 1. Proverbs 4:7. 2. Galatians 5:22-23. 3. Philippians 4:8. To avoid unhealthy requests, you can focus on verses that emphasise love, wisdom, and boundaries.
1. Love and Respect: 1 Corinthians 13:4.
2. Seeking Wisdom: James 1:5 reminds us to ask God for wisdom when making decisions.
• Rita Sobayo
‘Be careful with whom you associate with’
“Evil communications corrupt good manners,” 1 Corinthians 15:33: The verse is a warning to be careful with whom we associate with. It also emphasises that unhealthy requests/communication can also corrupt the mind. To avoid unhealthy request, I would strive to communicate clearly, set boundaries, evaluate the requests, check the impact, and weigh the importance of the request and make considerable efforts to protect what comes to my mind (Proverbs 4:23). Finally, I’ll pray for wisdom to discern healthy and unhealthy requests with the courage to set boundaries and prioritise selfcare.
• Mary-Peace Oche
‘ Stay away from those who influence you to do evil’
Proverbs 4:14-15 states, stay away from those who try to influence you to do evil, avoid them. I will avoid anything that will make me to be unhealthy as child of God. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, and He is always ever present to help us when we are in trouble and call upon Him.” 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Lastly, Philippians 4:6-8 states, “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, present your prayer, petition with thanksgiving: Present your requests to God.”
• Umenadi Francis Chibunna
