Can We Set Boundaries and Still be a Loving Person?

Boundaries are like a fence. I am responsible for what’s on my side of the fence. You are responsible for what’s on your side of the fence.

About once a month, in our Wednesday night small group the issue about boundaries is raised.  Many of us struggle about when it is Biblically appropriate to set limits. Sometime in 2012, I hope we can go through the Boundaries material.

For now I will post 9 points from my current reading.

1. Setting a boundary is more than saying “no” to requests.
2. Not having boundaries leads to a chaotic life with spiritual and emotional pain.
3. Some other characteristics of a boundary-less life include . . .
   • Isolation
   • Helplessness
   • Confusion
   • Guilt, and
   • Feeling like life is out-of-control.
4. When we don’t take ownership of our life, the following actions won’t work . . .
   • Trying harder
   • Being nice out of fear
   • People pleasing
   • Taking responsibility for others’ feelings and problems
5. We need to know what is our “job” and what isn’t our job (in relating to others).
6. The following are not part of our job description. Someone’s . . .
   • Chronic loneliness
   • Irresponsibility
   • Unending crisis’
   • Immaturity
   • Guilt ridden message of self-sacrifice
7. Our inability or reluctance to set boundaries affects others.
8. There are 4 types of boundaries: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual.
9. Boundaries are Biblical and are seen in God’s character and in His Universe.

Your Turn . . .

• How would you answer the question in the title?
• What is the most important thing you’ve learned about boundaries?
• If you’ve had a problem with boundaries, how did you transition to having godly boundaries?
• What is a good first step?

Related Posts . . . 

• Boundaries Benefit Me and Others
• Grateful for Boundaries in Five Areas
• What Your Job is Not – also includes some things that are. This is talking about a physical job, but could also apply to boundaries.

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