Devotionals: Setting Healthy Boundaries in our Relationships






In the New Testament of the Bible Jesus had 12 disciples;  Simon Peter, Andrew, James (the son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot. Though He had 12 disciples, out of all of them, Peter was the “Homey”( at least this is what I think from what I have read and learned). Peter had no filter and felt all types of comfortable with Jesus. He asked Jesus questions others would have been uncomfortable asking , told Jesus how he felt when he felt it and even confronted people on Jesus’s behalf . Once he even cut off someone’s ear for Jesus. ( literally). 

Though Peter was the Homey, sometimes he would not know his boundaries . As I mentioned, he cut off a High Priest’s Servant ear for mocking Jesus. When going to arrest Jesus for who he was and his message, the Pharisees and High Priests approached Jesus and the disciples with torches, weapons and lanterns . Peter didn’t play. As soon as they approached Jesus and began to mock him, Peter sliced off someone’s ear.

Jesus loved Peter, Peter was one of His favorite disciples; but as a father reprimands His son or a teacher corrects his student , Jesus had to rebuke ( discipline as a parent) Peter sometimes. Peters doubts and mistrust in his own self caused him some problems . Jesus had to let him know :

-John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

-  Matthew 14:28-31 28 Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29   “Come,” he said.Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

-Mark 8:33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."

Sometimes people cross us. Sometimes friends , family and associates get besides themselves, but no one is perfect. We all have flaws, ways about us;  but like Jesus, we can humbly rebuke others and set personal boundaries. Jesus rebuked Peter, humbly. It’s not “What you say but How you say it”. A real friend is truthful, can accept criticism, is kind.  And this is exactly how Jesus and Peters relationship was . Jesus convicted Peter, but Peter still rolled with him . Before Jesus’s death, Peter denied Jesus and act like he didn’t know him, Jesus still forgave him . May we set healthy boundaries , Love our neighbors, and allow forgiveness in our hearts. 

Be Encouraged,

Noelani

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