Tipping Point

I read the following quote on Facebook:

“Give but don’t allow yourself to be Used.

Love but don’t allow your heart to be Abused.
Trust but don’t be Naïve,
Listen to others but don’t lose your own Voice.” (Author Unknown)

Something about this quote disturbed me. I realized that this was contrary to what Jesus said:

“If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.” (Luke 6:29-30 NLT)

Jesus advocates sacrificial love. Yet, at what point do we draw the line? Should there be boundaries?

We should give of ourselves to the extent that it is beneficial to others or ourselves. The tipping point is when, in our attempt to be loving and generous, we start causing damage. For example, we love our children sacrificially and give freely. Yet after a certain point, we end up enabling them to be helpless. This is damaging. We may love our spouse and do everything we can to make their life pleasant. However, our good intentions may limit their potential for growth.

 

Give, Love, Trust, and Listen, but stay within constructive boundaries. If turning the other cheek, relinquishing your rights, or giving away your wealth is productive to someone’s growth, then do so without reservation. Yet, stop before you cause damage.