We all must have some "healthy" boundaries in our life. A life like fence if you will. I say this because it creates balance and order in your daily life. Without it you are leaving yourself wide open to everything and the Lord wants us to be wise. We are to guard our hearts Proverbs 4:23 and gird our minds. 1 Peter 1:13 I knew someone who always said yes to everything they were asked of whether it be a ride, money, job, advice and I could see people were taking advantage of this person. But their intent was to do good, spread good cheer and please God when in fact all the running around was distracting them from their service and studies. I remember saying to them if someone asks you to do something stop and ask yourself, "is this glorifying God"? But if we are called to love others, give of oneself to another , why would we need to have a time of yes and a time of no? Because some people will take advantage to no end, others will try to guilt you, others will gather a sense of entitlement, while others will assume the yes. It is up to you to truly seek the Lord and ask Him to help you discern what is His will for you and what isn't. Another way to learn is when this occurs. Are you dropping everything at all hours of the day for people? Are the calls coming while you are in the middle of studying the Word? Is it taking you from church? Is this person saved or are you going to all kinds of places at all times of the night? Ask the Lord to help you know the difference of when it is good works versus throwing pearls to swine. If a person relies on you too heavily and while you try to counsel them and nothing changes, give them to God. I watch my husband try to help others and he uses it as an opportunity to first and foremost, lead them to Jesus, but he will also invite them to church and a ministry he thinks they would like. But if he sees that it is the same excuse and the person does not appear to want to change or turn to God, he will continue to pray for them, give them to God and then take a step back. Not easy for someone like Him who lives to please the Lord and lives to love the Lord and people. Yet He knows a time of yes and a time of no. I encourage you today to ask the Lord for guidance and discernment to know when to offer and when to allow Him to intervene in the person's life. If someone is involved in a sinful life, the Lord will not want you involved beyond praying with them and for them for bad company can corrupt good moral character. 1 Corinthians 15:33 It is easier to drag someone down then to lift someone up so be on guard. Just be alert and use good Godly wisdom in all you do. Glorify God in all your acts of kindness while keeping Him in the center of them all and you will begin to see very clearly when to say yes and when to say no.
1 Peter 4:11
1 Peter 4:11
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