Setting Boundaries: Boundaries Bring Freedom
Monday, April 1, 2019
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'” John 8:31-32 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Fences make good neighbors because they are boundaries, not barriers. Setting personal boundaries is as important as setting physical ones. Establishing appropriate personal boundaries will help you protect yourself from being unfaithful to Christ's teachings and failing to become all he has designed you to be.
This week we will discuss boundaries and how they can make a difference in our life.
Consider this …
One key is to set boundaries that will protect and respect your needs. As you set godly boundaries, you can more clearly see situations or even people who may hinder your growth in Christ.
In establishing appropriate boundaries, you will develop levels of trust. For example, you may trust a particular friend to cut your hair but not to babysit your children. Or you may trust a friend in church to babysit your child but not to give you financial advice. You may sing in the choir with a friend but find a need to establish boundaries that will not permit you to be alone with that person.
Here are some sample boundaries:
- I will not allow myself to be alone with certain people.
- I will walk in accountability with a mature Christian mentor.
- I will learn to say no.
Are there areas in life where you feel out of control? It may be an issue of priorities. Perhaps you feel pulled in many directions. Prayerfully set some boundaries. Learn to say no. Or maybe you have drifted into a sinful habit. Or are struggling with an addiction. Set godly boundaries.
Remember . . . godly boundaries help you stay faithful to Jesus and bring freedom.
Prayer
Father, help me see areas in my life where I need to set boundaries. And then give me the strength and wisdom to stay within those boundaries. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
©Living Free 2019. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
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©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
