Boundaries

I’ve discovered that nothing feels more violating, than when my BOUNDARIES have been crossed, even if I am the one crossing them. Much of our stress in life comes from allowing too much or too little, of any given thing into our life and not fully understanding how to manage it. Whether it be at work, at home, at church, or in our most intimate relationships, BOUNDARIES are necessary if we want to successfully manage our life as a whole, and especially, our mental and spiritual health. Now, I must be honest, setting BOUNDARIES can be challenging, because it takes determination, commitment and courage, especially, if they involve someone like our boss, children or mate. However, the most challenging task will be setting BOUNDARIES with………. SELF.

God has commanded for us all, to do our best to operate out of the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. The fruits of the spirit represents who God is, and because He created us in His image (James 3:9), we are to mirror His fruits, which are LOVE, JOY, PEACE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL and FORBEARANCE. It seems to be almost impossible, to live within a healthy set of BOUNDARIES, without also, attempting to obtain the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. I want to tell you, Sis, you do not have the power to obtain this on your own. God’s power is what will help you make and keep those BOUNDARIES, as well as, operating out of His fruits.

Below are just a few ways that you can attempt to set health boundaries in your life (no specific order):

1.     Embrace change

2.     Be accountable

3.     Prioritize

4.     Add and delete from your life where necessary

5.     Learn to say NO. Learn to say YES

6.     Be aware of manipulation tactics

7.     Give and accept nothing less than RESPECT

8.     Be aware of how you feel and own up to them

9.     Examine any co-dependent relationships

10.  MOST IMPORTANTLY……. Operate out of God’s WISDOM and NOT that of the world

I could go on and in, but the list above is where you can consider starting. Girl, IT AINT GONNA BE EASY! BUT GOD.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:22, 24-26 NKJV

“‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary mark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”

Deuteronomy 27:17 AMP