Note: This is from Wednesday's Gospel reading - still have grandbabies here!
What exactly is the definition of the word "boundary?" Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent. Jesus asks us to be loving and kind. But what about when people take advantage of our good nature overstepping healthy boundaries? Do we respond to their selfish behaviors with angry retorts? Or, do we take the emotion out of it and regain clear boundaries? It's easy to let manipulators manipulate. They want what they want, selfishly focused on themselves and their needs regardless of what is best for all. The lesson I'm learning is to stay focused on the business at hand in these situations leaving emotion out of it, all the while remembering every human being is a child of God deserving of the love of Christ. Setting clear boundaries (which may or may not be adhered to) fires alerts when it's time to move on.
In todays Gospel (Luke 4:38-44), Jesus firmly declares His boundaries to the crowds:
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ. At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
What exactly is the definition of the word "boundary?" Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent. Jesus asks us to be loving and kind. But what about when people take advantage of our good nature overstepping healthy boundaries? Do we respond to their selfish behaviors with angry retorts? Or, do we take the emotion out of it and regain clear boundaries? It's easy to let manipulators manipulate. They want what they want, selfishly focused on themselves and their needs regardless of what is best for all. The lesson I'm learning is to stay focused on the business at hand in these situations leaving emotion out of it, all the while remembering every human being is a child of God deserving of the love of Christ. Setting clear boundaries (which may or may not be adhered to) fires alerts when it's time to move on.
In todays Gospel (Luke 4:38-44), Jesus firmly declares His boundaries to the crowds:
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ. At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
In the December 2005 Monthly Message, Jesus instructs us to love even those who try to manipulate us:
"Dear children, you were each created by the Father. He takes the greatest joy in watching your progress as you learn how to love during your time in the world. You experience difficulties in this regard but you overcome these difficulties and you grow and advance. This process of learning to love and rejecting all that is not love is the real point of your time on earth. If you were told that you would be coming to heaven soon, how would you treat the souls around you? How would you view them differently if you knew that your time with them was limited? Well, little souls, I am reminding you today that your time with each of the souls around you is finite. Time will pass and your time with that soul will be over. If you love each soul in your life, you will be at peace when your time together is finished. You will feel satisfaction in that you will know that you tried to love them, despite the difficulties that arose to make this difficult."
Lay apostles, one of the hardest things to accomplish in this life is treating those who cause us difficulty with love. Why would I want to love someone trying to sabotage a business deal, a relationship, or even our self-esteem? See past the behavior into the wounded soul inflicting the pain. If you are at peace with Jesus by your side, boundaries are easy to achieve.
Thank you, Lord, for showing me how to set clear boundaries and maintain those boundaries. Continue to guide me to respond how You would respond!
God bless,
Bonnie
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