Boundaries in Relationships Continued

One way to understand the Old Testament is to see it as the story of God slowly teaching the people of Israel who he is. I think we sometimes forget that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob didn’t have the Bible, religious education classes, or religious leaders to teach them all about the one, true God. Instead, as the ultimate teacher, God slowly revealed more and more of his identity to them throughout the Old Testament.

The story we hear today of the burning bush is an important step in this process. A person’s name is very meaningful in the Bible- it’s why God gives new names to so many people at important moments in their lives.

To know a person’s name is to achieve a level of intimacy with them. God is inviting the people into a deeper relationship with Him as He prepares to lead them into freedom. Our lives too are about forming relationships and growing in intimacy with others. As fallen humans though, we can struggle with finding the right balance in deepening these relationships.

We might be tempted to jump into relationships headfirst with those who later turn out to not have our best interests at heart. Or we may be so protective of our heart that it hardens, and our relationships wither with shallow roots. Learning to set good boundaries in relationships is important, so that we can both protect ourselves and also be vulnerable enough to let the relationship grow.

If you find yourself struggling to find a happy medium, consider taking some time to ask the Lord to help you grow in this area. Counseling or spiritual direction could also be helpful if you find yourself continuing to struggle.