Now this I pray, that your love might overflow still more and more in knowledge and depth of discernment, in order to approve what is excellent—so that in the Day of Messiah you may be sincere and blameless… Philippians 1:9-10, TLV

Love with Boundaries?       Shabbat Shalom.     I refer to this Philippians passage a lot. The verses explain a balanced and wise approach to love. For the past few months, I have focused on the importance of love. How we are to respond in love when others behave badly.

But we have also discussed boundaries. Boundaries are a contemporary approach to this passage.

Employing the tools of wisdom — knowledge and discernment — with expressions of love, means we don’t accept the sin. We understand that we must forgive, as our Father forgives us when we sin—but He doesn’t accept our sins, He accepts us.

Our pursuit of reconciliation may mean pulling away from someone because continued contact is harmful to us or our loved ones — maybe even to them. Boundaries seldom feel good when we make them—but in the long run, we have peace.

Sifting

Sometimes God must sift a soul (Luke 22). Allow them to experience the full weight of their sinful heart for them to be set free. We cannot interfere with that process with an uninformed—unwise—expression of love.

Like Peter’s betrayal and Paul’s persecution of the believers, we may need to temporarily love from afar via forgiveness and prayer.

Loving with knowledge and discernment prevents us from interfering with God’s purpose and will. And should the day arrive that reconciliation is possible, we’ll be ready.

Even with love, wisdom and boundaries are important.

Think More About It

How do you love wisely?

May we love with wisdom and discernment, my friends.

Pray for Israel—Prayer Prompt

Answer me when I call,
God of my righteousness!
You set me free when I am in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
O sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into my shame?
How long will you love worthlessness and pursue falsehood? Selah
But know that ADONAI has set apart the godly for His own.
ADONAI will hear when I call to Him. Psalm 4:2-4, TLV

Abba, please answer us, how long will Israel’s glory turn to shame? Where the world questions your commitment to Your people? But we know You keep Your covenant and promises. We trust You and know that You hear us when we call to You. Amen.

God bless and Shabbat Shalom!