He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord – Proverbs 17:15
Enabling is a deceptive spirit. It convinces the sufferer that their ignorance or contribution towards another’s bad behavior is from a place of love. That it will, in time, manifest the life this person desires for the child, the friend, or whoever is the object of their confused state. Rebekah is a perfect example of enabling her favorite son, Jacob, to steal his brother’s birthright through an elaborate scheme of deception (Genesis 27:6–17).
Enablers are often people pleasers, fearing the loss of their favorable reputation. Such was the case with Aaron’s knowledge of and allowance for idol worship by the Israelites (Exodus 32:2-4) and Saul, who permitted his army to take objects after defeating an enemy, violating the instructions given to him (1 Samuel 15:18). They both chose to place the acceptance of others before their obedience to God.
Cutting the cord isn’t about discarding people whose negative actions were once accepted and encouraged. It’s choosing not to allow these individuals’ approval or personal regrets to obscure genuine concern. It’s disapproving of what isn’t right to love what is right.