Your Neighbor Needs What You Have
Boundaries – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Luke 10:36-42

Key Verse:  Luke 10:35

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

After Jesus finished His story of the Good Samaritan, He and His disciples traveled to a village close by.  They were hosted in a home of a woman named Martha.  She had a sister named Mary.  Martha was very busy at the business of hosting Jesus and His disciples.  You can imagine her desire to prepare food and home “just right” for Jesus!  However, she had a complaint about the choices of her sister.  Mary determined to simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His teachings.  Instead of reprimanding Mary, Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better way!

I think Mary understood what her sister wanted from her—sisters know these things, especially when they live together!  Mary did not cave to Martha’s stares and probable verbal requests.  Mary drew boundaries and chose her path in life!  I have a feeling that was not easy.  Mary undoubtedly knew her sister would be upset with her, even as Mary was making the decision to sit quietly and listen to Jesus!

Do you struggle setting boundaries?  Most of us do!  People around you—people you care about—put pressure on you to do things that you really don’t feel are right for you!  If we are going to truly get good at helping hurting people, we must get good at setting boundaries.  If we don’t, we burn out and stop helping people entirely!  Be a discerning disciple.

Father, I want the rest of my life to model the Good Samaritan lifestyle.  Help me to set my boundaries in order to complete the journey.  In Jesus’ name, amen.