Allykat's Tales
I have been reading this book called, Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend and it is really good. It talks about how God wants us to have boundaries and not be a doormat, pretty much.
We all need to set boundaries in life. Boundaries are good to keep us balanced. Are you a people-pleaser? It is good to want to help people and love them, but you have to also be careful you are not being taken advantage of. There are people out there that will take advantage of you, if you let them. Look for the approval of God, not of man. (John 12:43)
As Christians we may say “yes” to everybody, because we feel that we should. However, sometimes saying “yes” can actually hurt that person and you. Saying “yes” to everybody that needs something from you can exhaust you. For example, if you take on someone’s else project at work, because they fell behind, not only does it teach that person that they can get away with irresponsibility, but that takes precious time away from you and your family… (Prov.19:19, 23:13) And it may cause you to resent that person as well. Plus, saying “yes” when you really mean “no” is bending the truth. (Luke 6:26) Do not always try to be a peacemaker.
Sometimes you should help out the person, but be careful not to do it all the time. Set good healthy boundaries with your family, friends, parents, spouses, co-workers, and yourself. Do not feel guilty about it either. Boundaries help us keep the good in and the bad out. Set boundaries so you can love yourself and others better.
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”‘ (Mark 12:31)
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Thank you Anonymous and Oscar for you comments! May we all set healthy boundaries and love ourselves and everybody better!
Ally, I liked what you said about boundaries.
I agree that boundaries can be good as long as they are in line with God's commands and will for us.
We shouldn't feel that we should be everything to everybody all the time…
and clearly, if someone is taking advantage of us, and is lazy, that is a problem that they might need pointed out…in love…
HOWEVER on the other side of the token, we need to be obeying God if He puts someone on our heart to help,
the Bible says even to give to our enemies…
Romans 12:20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
So we need to be careful in our boundaries because sometimes God might not want us to have boundaries, may we just stay close to Jesus and abide in Him and He will guide us.
God did set boundaries with things in nature, like the ocean.
This is a very delicate topic…
May we just be abiding in Jesus daily and Renewed in Him and may HE put HIS desires on our hearts.
Matthew 5:40-42
40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.