Have you ever wondered why we’re so quick to forgive our family and friends for things we’d never tolerate from someone we don’t know?
Think about it.
If a stranger on the street yelled at you, stole your money, or took advantage of your kindness, you’d probably write them off immediately. But when it’s someone we know and love, we often let it slide because “they’re family” or because we think it’s what you do for the people you care about.
For the longest time, I was exactly like this. I gave the people closest to me a free pass to my time, my energy, and even my wallet, thinking this was just part of loving them.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned: disrespect is disrespect, no matter who it comes from. It doesn’t deserve a free pass, whether it’s from a stranger, a friend, or a family member.
Imagine someone asked you for unlimited access to your bank account. You’d probably say no, right? It’s not because you don’t love them, but because what you have is limited and you have to be careful about who you share it with.
This is how we should be treating our personal boundaries too.
And if you’re worried that setting boundaries sounds harsh or un-Christian, let me throw a couple of examples your way:
Even God set boundaries. Remember the Garden of Eden? He told Adam and Eve they could eat from any tree except for one.
That was a clear boundary.
Or think about the temple, where not everyone can enter every area. Access was granted based on responsibility and roles.
So here’s the bottom line: if someone wants the top-level access to your life, they need to show they can handle it responsibly. It’s not about being mean; it’s about making sure the people in your life respect and appreciate you as much as you do them.
Setting boundaries is about valuing your own well-being and ensuring your relationships are healthy and balanced. So let’s not shy away from it.
It’s time we started treating ourselves with the same kindness and respect we offer to others.
