The Dark Side of Relating
Communicating Boundaries – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 4:14-19

Key Verse:  Ephesians 4:15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in our printed key verse for today that we are to speak the truth in love!  One of the problems with emotional boundaries is they are internal, not visible to other around us.  Our home’s property lines can be marked and seen by anyone looking.  Setting up emotional boundaries must also be marked and that is accomplished by clear communication.

            When we read the Bible, we are reading God’s family boundaries.  We read words that describe what God likes and what God hates.  We read words that describe what God has done and what He plans to do in the future.  In a kind and loving manner, God’s Word lays out the boundaries that God Himself has deemed appropriate.  We choose then whether to be in relationship with Him or not, according to the clear boundaries.  Jesus never wanted relationships so badly that he would change the boundary lines.  In John 6:66 we see that many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.  Jesus did not cry out for them to return, promising to change if they would just come back!

            It helps to set boundaries up with positive words such as: “I like it when you…” or “thanks for doing it that way.”  But sometimes we must state clearly and kindly the negative, “Please do not…” or “I don’t like it when you…”  (Continued)

Father, help me to communicate with clarity and love to those around me.  Grant me your wisdom and courage.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.