“When the High God gave the nations their stake, gave them their place on Earth, He put each of the peoples within boundaries under the care of divine guardians.” (Deuteronomy 32:8 MSG)
Healthy boundaries allow us to define who we are, what we believe in, and what we will tolerate. Establishing personal boundaries requires awareness and self-respect. Enforcing them involves courage to stand firm, even in the face of disapproval. There will always be people who push back boundary lines in order to get what they want. Frequent exposure to those who are invasive may provoke us to create solid walls of protection. These barriers may allow us to avoid manipulators; but they can also prevent us from developing relationships with healthy individuals.
“The wall is a barrier, whereas the boundary is a beginning. It is the beginning of a life that does not allow evil to be inflicted on me. It is the beginning of searching for what is best and keeping out those influences that would prevent me from moving toward it. It stops me from walking into walls and allows me to walk into the future with God and others in a healthy, life-giving community.” (Steve Arterburn)
Boundaries have gates that allow us to be selective. We can choose to keep out influences that prevent us from being our best. Instead, we can invite in those who are sincere, those who consistently encourage us to be true, even when it does not benefit them in any way. Healthy boundaries obviate the need for walls.
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