“Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
We have to take responsibility for how other people treat us at times as we often set the tone for this. People will often treat us how we allow them to. When we see value in ourselves and act as such then people have no choice but to act accordingly.
Remember that God considers you to be precious in his eyes, honoured and loved. Isaiah 43:4 Some people will try to use you to satisfy their selfish ambitions and desires if you give them the chance to. Ever had someone try to make you feel guilty for being a Christian and setting firm boundaries? ‘I thought you said you were a Christian and shouldn’t Christians help others?’ Yes as Christians with the mind of Christ and the desire to be led by him, we seek to do his will and walk in his purpose. But even Jesus had to call out people who followed him with ulterior motives.
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. John 6:26 Jesus performed a great miracle by using five loaves and two fishes to feed a large multitude with twelve baskets to spare. Some people would have been amazed by the miraculous power of Jesus and the power from God to do great wonders. This multitude however was concerned with getting their bellies full.
It is more blessed to give than receive but there are people who will latch unto you because they perceive you as being able to give. Envy is a dangerous emotion and there are persons who can at times view you to be in a ‘better position’ than they are. All the while not acknowledging that you have your own needs, struggles and weaknesses. Not many people care about reciprocity in relationships but will take as much as they can get.
We have to set boundaries in order to protect ourselves. Jesus moved away from the crowds to preserve himself as he perceived that they sought after him out of greed and not need. Our talents and abilities are given to us by God to be used for the establishment of his kingdom. You have to ensure that they are not misused by others so set clear boundaries.
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 
This is so timely especially as we seek to help out others during this time of crisis. I think boundaries are mostly ignored in our culture even though our parents always told us as children to know our place. Awesome reminder
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We have to take responsibility for how others treat us. Wow! This is eye-opening for me. Yes, I know this on some level, but to hear it out loud as I read it really struck a chord within me. We most often hear that we are not responsible for what another says or does, but in their relationship with us, we most certainly have some responsibility. Thank you! I will walk with this scripture in my heart and mind today, and I will try to be conscious of the message I am sending to those around me.
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