Boundaries

 

Dear Reader,

At the end of last year, and better part of this year, this writer came to the realisation that she has been overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Mostly from unfunctional and casual friendships that she has been holding onto for far too long. So I set out to find wisdom from the only place I trust for guidance, the Bible and prayer. So dive into the fountain of knowledge that is the Bible and prayer, and let go of what is holding you back.

Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships, protecting our well-being, and honouring God’s design for how we should interact with others. Some relationships taint our hearts, and from the heart comes the abundance of life, some cause distraction from worship and in return take our full attention, hence taking the place of God's altar in our hearts. In Proverbs 4:23, Scripture says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This reminds us that boundaries help protect our hearts from being overwhelmed or misused, enabling us to live according to God’s will.

Jesus also demonstrated boundaries during His ministry. In Luke 5:16, we see that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. Jesus knew when to step away from the crowds and the demands of others to seek solitude with the Father.

Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens,” but in verse 5, it also reminds us that “each one should carry their own load.” This shows a balance, helping others while maintaining personal responsibility. Healthy boundaries enable us to help others while maintaining our well-being, ensuring we do not overextend ourselves or allow others to shirk their responsibilities. Setting boundaries is not about being selfish but rather about taking care of ourselves so that we can continue to support others effectively. By following Jesus' example of seeking solitude and maintaining balance in our relationships, we can cultivate healthy boundaries that benefit both ourselves and those around us.

Matthew 5:37 says, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” This reinforces that boundaries also mean being clear and firm in our communication. We must be honest about our limits, and it's okay to say "no" when needed. No matter what the relationship is, friendship, romantic, or familial, it is important to communicate openly and honestly. Setting your foot down and drawing a line in the sand to what you can tolerate and your expectations are crucial for self respect.

Boundaries reflect the wisdom of walking in truth and love, allowing us to preserve our peace, respect others, and ultimately glorify God in all we do. By establishing boundaries, we show respect for ourselves and others, creating healthier relationships. It is essential to communicate our boundaries clearly and consistently to maintain mutual understanding and respect.