~CALLED to Inspire~
We Can Set Boundaries
We Can Set Boundaries

As hard as it may be to accept, loving ourselves includes setting boundaries. It requires that we find the courage to say "no" to requests and stresses that we were never called to bear – and "yes" only to the things that God has mapped out for us.

The Word of God teaches us that loving ourselves is not selfish. In fact, it is absolutely necessary in order for us to love others effectively.

Eight times, we are instructed to "love your neighbor as you love yourself" (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). In essence: The way in which we love others is contingent on how well we first love ourselves.

Has your inability to say “no” depleted your energy, increased your stress, or stolen your joy?

Jesus understood the importance of setting limits. He did not allow others to define His purpose, dictate His agenda, or subject Him to situations that ran contrary to God’s plan.

When Jesus’s mother and brothers attempted to divert Him away from His ministry, He resisted them (Matthew 12:46-50) – Jesus knew His purpose. When the crowd tried to throw Jesus off the cliff because He claimed to be the Messiah, He escaped them (Luke 4:28-30) – Jesus knew how to walk away. When Peter told Jesus that He would not have to suffer, He rebuked him (Matthew 16:21-22) – Jesus knew God’s plan.

Like Jesus, we must know our purpose, know God’s plan, and know when to walk away. Therefore, whenever we feel tired, depleted, misused, or burned out, we are wise to ask:

"Am I setting boundaries?"

"Am I effectively using the word ‘no’?"

A great writer once wrote,

"Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying ‘yes’ too quickly, and not saying ‘no’ soon enough."

Written by: Marsha DuCille - Publisher/Editorial Director
publisher @ calledmagazine.com

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