Living Free - Aug. 30, 2013
Today's Scripture
"For we are each responsible for our own conduct." - Galatians 6:5 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Do you sometimes feel as though your life centers around the problems of someone you care about?
It is vital for us to give up ownership of our loved ones. We should continue to pray and to care, but not make their problems ours. It is important that we don't take away their personal responsibility. They must understand that their choices bring consequences. Although the Bible encourages us to help each other, it also makes the fact clear that each person is responsible for his or her own actions.
Take steps to remove yourself from the control your loved one has over you. Stop building your life around their dysfunctional lifestyle. Don't let them control your walk with God, your relationship with other family and friends, church attendance, employment performance, or any other part of your life.
Consider this …
The Bible tells us to put God at the center of our lives. Keep an active prayer life. Get involved in a Bible-believing church. Participate in a Christ-centered support group where you can receive love and friendship.
Keep the communication lines open with cards, notes, letters and calls to let your loved one know you are there to help them find help. But they must make the decision to change.
Facing the consequences of their actions and seeing you model God's love will help them learn to build a healthy relationship with God, themselves and others.
Prayer
Father, I have been feeling so frustrated and stressed from trying to fix my loved one's problems. Thank you for this reminder that we are all responsible for our own actions. Help me to love and encourage without trying to control.
In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Close—But Not Too Close by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. A complement to the Concerned Persons small group study, this booklet is written primarily for those who want to help someone close to them who is enslaved by the stronghold of a life-controlling issue. It is also designed to help someone who is suffering the consequences of a loved one's problem.
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