LOVE AND BOUNDARIES "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Love is a beautiful gift from God, but without boundaries, it can be misdirected, misunderstood, or even misused. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts because our emotions, decisions, and relationships flow from it. This does not mean shutting people out, but rather being intentional about how we give and receive love. Healthy boundaries are not barriers; they are safeguards that help us love wisely, purely, and in alignment with God’s will. In relationships (whether friendships, dating, or even family) boundaries protect our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Jesus Himself set boundaries; He loved deeply but did not allow people’s expectations or emotions to dictate His purpose (Luke 5:16, John 2:24-25). He knew when to withdraw, when to say no, and when to walk away. Love without wisdom can lead to compromise, heartache, or even spiritual harm. Setting godly boundaries ensures that love remains pure and honors God. One of the most important areas where boundaries matter relationships is in being pure. The world promotes love as limitless and without restraint, but Scripture teaches us to love with discernment (Philippians 1:9-10). This includes emotional boundaries — being mindful of who we share our deepest feelings with — and physical boundaries, ensuring that our affections align with God’s standards of holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). True love respects boundaries; it does not pressure, manipulate, or cross lines that dishonor God. Boundaries also apply to self-love and care. Sometimes, love means saying no to toxic influences, unhealthy attachments, or relationships that pull us away from God’s purpose. It means valuing ourselves as God does and refusing to settle for less than His best. Loving others does not mean allowing them to drain, control, or disrespect us. Jesus calls us to love, but He does not call us to be enslaved by people’s expectations or unhealthy dynamics. Love with wisdom, knowing that God desires wholeness, not brokenness. Setting boundaries is not unloving; it is a reflection of God’s wisdom. Love should be given freely but with discernment. When we guard our hearts in Christ, we can love fully without losing ourselves. Healthy love flows from a place of security in God, not fear of rejection or pressure to please others. Love deeply, but wisely. Protect your heart, not out of fear, but in faith that God’s love is your ultimate security. Meditate! Are my relationships reflecting God’s wisdom, or am I allowing love without boundaries to lead me astray? Pray! Lord, teach me how to love with wisdom. Help me to set godly boundaries that protect my heart and honor You. May my love be guided by truth, purity, and discernment. Amen. Act! Evaluate your relationships and set healthy boundaries where needed. Seek God’s wisdom on how to love purely, wisely, and in a way that glorifies Him. Read! Psalm 119:9-11, Philippians 1:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Proverbs 25:28, Matthew 5:37. Godly love is not reckless. It is intentional, wise, and rooted in truth. Let your love be marked by boundaries that honor Him! SpiritWord × February 26, 2025 (C) Oluremi. OmuAjose, Ijebu.