Today, we wrap up our weekly theme of focusing on the placement of healthy boundaries. This is definitely a tough area for us to find balance. We get trained early on in building walls of protection around our hearts, so learning to be secure in Christ and our identity in Him is crucial to tearing down barriers of selfishness and self-preservation and constructing healthy boundaries. That principle of the faith is so important to growth and maturity.

Today’s passage from Romans 12 …

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12;9-18 NLT)

So where do we draw the lines between people, in relationships, when we get hurt, where we can create hurt ourselves? How, when, and where do we place healthy boundaries?

The answer through the consistent teaching in the Bible that we have heard all week is simply this: Anywhere that we need to put ourselves in the position to love better. Honoring ourselves, our children, and God. Not being on the defense, but staying on the offense.

What is the one truth you received this week that you know you need to act upon? Where do you need to … do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable … and … do all that you can to live in peace with everyone? That is the ultimate goal of love, the kind of love that God has for us that knows no boundaries, has no conditions, and never gives up.

As you ruminate on this, let’s take some slow deep breaths once again.

Breathe deep then slowly exhale and let go of your strife and stress. Move into the balance God offers you in this new day by trusting Him.

 Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, please help me to keep re-defining love as the way You love, not as the world tells me. Help me to be free from barriers and pain and express You to everyone in all my circles. As above, so below.”