Love wisely: Set boundaries while loving others unconditionally
God never asks us to break ourselves while loving others. This powerful truth comes from understanding two key biblical principles about love.
Barbed wire among golden wheat
The first principle comes from 1 Corinthians 13:3: "If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." This verse reminds us that true love is essential, but it doesn't require self-destruction.
Matthew 22:39 provides the second key insight: "Love your neighbor AS yourself." Notice it doesn't say "INSTEAD OF yourself" or "BEFORE yourself." This teaches us that healthy self-love is the foundation for loving others effectively.
Solomon's wisdom offers practical guidance. When God offered him anything he desired, he asked for "a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleased God because it showed understanding that love requires wisdom and discernment.
This means:
- You can love others while maintaining healthy boundaries
- You can forgive someone without continuing in harmful relationships
- You can be generous with your love while protecting your well-being
- You can follow God's command to love while exercising wisdom
Prayer: "Lord, give me a heart that listens to You and the wisdom to distinguish between good and evil. Help me love others without breaking myself. Amen."