You are Not Called to be a Doormat

This is a friendly reminder that you are not called to be a doormat.

Yes, even if you are a Jesus follower.

You are not called to let people continue to walk all over you, hurt or abuse you.

Yes, we are called to love even our enemies.

Yes, we are called to forgive those who hurt us.

But Jesus does not tell us we need to keep toxic people who hurt us close.

Boundaries are crucial for these situations.

And just in case you have felt this way, creating boundaries is not a mean thing to do.

Awkward and uncomfortable, maybe, but not mean.

In fact, boundaries may be a necessary part in guarding our heart, which is also what we are called to do.

And in some cases, we really do need to remove ourselves from certain people and places.

I know you might be thinking that you could be that one person to change them, or the one person who helps them see Jesus.

And of course that could be true!

But it may have to be done from a distance.

Or maybe at a later time when they are in a healthier place.

Or, it may not be your role at all.

We can forgive someone while also not continuing to do life with them close.

We can pray for them, and surrender them to the Lord.

The answer is absolutely not to hold bitterness and resentment.

But there are some people that just simply won’t stay in our life forever.

That’s okay.

And you are going to be okay without them.

And there are some people who need to know that they can’t treat you how they have been.

That’s okay, too. You have the right to create that boundary.

But remember, you aren’t a doormat.

You are a son or daughter of the King.

~Kelli Bachara, The Unraveling Blog