<p>In this episode, Sandra and Shandia share contrasting views on the idea of Biblical boundaries and what those look like in the context of relationships. Here we explore what it means to acknowledge our human limitations as finite beings, how to apply the principle of counting others as more important than self (Philippians 1:2-3). We challenge people to veer away from a semi-narcissistic worldview about what is self-serving to consider love, wisdom, managing expectations, while acknowledging  human limitations when setting and maintaining a healthy framework in any relationship. </p> <p>“Sometimes, our best attempts at loving are met with habitual thoughtlessness, insatiable need, unkindness, anger, indifference, or a lack of mutuality. It’s in these relationships that boundaries begin to sound like a good idea. But God’s Word doesn’t move from the command to love to a psychological category like boundaries. Instead, it presses us to think about what it looks like to love a difficult person. Godly love confronts evil, perseveres, and forgives. It doesn’t interfere with God’s pattern of sowing and reaping. It is willing to risk the other person’s displeasure by forsaking, pleasing, placating, and pretending. It doesn’t do for others what they can do for themselves when it enables laziness, entitlement, and self-absorption. It rescues people from their foolishness, as Abigail’s gift to David rescued both him and Nabal” (Brenda Pauken, 2021). </p> <p>Biblical references: </p> <p>1 Corinthians 13:4-8 </p> <p>Philippians 2:1-3 </p> <p>1 Peter 3:9</p> <p>1 Samuel: 25:3-35</p> <p>Romans 12:1</p> <p>1 John 3:16 </p> <p>Matthew 16:24</p> <p>Phillipians 2:6-8</p> <p>Titus 2:12</p> <p>2 Corinthians 6:14</p> <p>James 4:4</p> <p>Romans 6:23</p> <p>Romans 12:21</p> <p>Genesis 3:12-13</p> <p>Romans 13:1-4</p> <p>Proverbs 22:6</p> <p>Ephesians 6:4</p> <p>Colossians 3:21</p> <p>Titus 2:4</p> <p>Proverbs 19:18 </p> <p>Proverbs 27:6</p> <p>Galatians 5:13</p> <p>James 1:5</p> <p>Ephesians 4:15</p> <p>Galatians 5:22-23 </p> <p>Reflection/Journaling Questions </p> <ol> <li><p>In what situations are you most tempted to create boundaries?</p> </li> <li><p>What are your boundaries trying to protect?</p> </li> <li><p>How can limitations, love, managing expectations, and wisdom help you have God-honoring relationships?</p> </li> </ol>