The Dark Side of Relating
Communicating Boundaries – Part 2
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.
As we continue from yesterday, we can see that the key element to relating to our relatives is communicating our boundaries. They can’t physically see most of our personal boundaries, so we must tell them! Our scripture reminds us to speak the truth in love! Most of the time our words damage relationships, not because of the message, but because of the manner in which we spoke!
Communication is a difficult task if done correctly. Our mannerisms, our tone, and words all come together to deliver messages. If we approach subjects with a loving gentleness, sharing our hearts with someone, we will often find an openness to receive them. Of course misunderstandings can occur in humans interacting. It is true that we may say it all correctly and the receiver can be totally unreasonable and reject us. At those moments we must ask ourselves: “Did I say everything in love?” If so, we must not allow that person to put us in the bondage of a dysfunctional relationship. If may be time to shake the dust off our sandals and walk away.
The goal in setting boundaries is to state them early in the relationships whenever possible. Let everyone know who we are, and that we are good with living in our own skin. This is the key to all healthy relationships!
Father, you made me to be in relationships. I will choose to be me in a loving and kind way in those relationships! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.