by Nichelle M. Hardy, MA, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor at Walter's Walk
In truth, we all need boundaries with fairly administered repercussions and rewards... principles of right and wrong to give us freedom - the freedom to be all God created us to be. God has delineated these boundaries in His Word so that we would not have to wonder, feel guilty, or struggle to invent them. Be assured His will is for each of us to..
- Be treated with respect. "Show proper respect to everyone" (1 Peter 2:17).
- Be heard and taken seriously. "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak..." (James 1:19).
- Express anger appropriately toward one another, when justified. "Be angry and do not sin..." (Ephesians 4:26).
- Give and receive mutual submission. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).
- Enjoy the freedom to speak truthfully from our hearts, and for others to speak truthfully from theirs. "Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor..." (Ephesians 4:25).
- Be allowed to make mistakes and then take responsibility for them, and for others to take responsibility for their own mistakes. The apostle Paul said, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).
- Be able to say "No" without feeling guilty. " ...say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions..." (Titus 2:12).
- Refuse to do things that violate our conscience. "When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ" (1 Corinthians 8:12).
(source: Hunt, June, Hope For The Heart Ministries)
My reflections:
I have found this content to be helpful. It is character-based in its implications. I garner from it an invitation to live life fully, fruitfully, and in freedom having concern for God, others, and self. Living life in healthy community is an investment that gives abundant returns!
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