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The focus of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians here is all about where we fix our focus. On the things that are true, and noble, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, and excellent, and praiseworthy—these are the things we’re supposed to set our hearts and minds on. These are the things we’re supposed to keep our eyes on. It’s almost as if Paul is giving us a boundary for our focus. In the same way, they can be boundaries for our relationships too!
They’re the signs we can look for in others to help us know how close to keep them. If the people we keep close to us have qualities like honesty, and integrity, and trying to do what’s right, then we can feel safe to let our guards down in relationship with them. But if they’re not? If they aren’t always truthful, or make decisions that aren’t admirable, or operate without honor, then it may be time to consider setting a boundary. It may be time to protect the qualities in us that may be impacted by them. Will it be easy? Probably not! Boundaries aren’t always simple. But will it be worth it? If it keeps your focus on the things Paul writes about here, then it definitely will be! Try to memorize this verse this week as a reminder of what to focus your own heart on and to encourage you to keep the focus of your relationships on these things too!
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Conflict is just part of being in relationship with other people. Even if we hate it, dread it, and would do just about anything to avoid it, the showdowns in our lives are coming. Thankfully, we have the Bible's wisdom to read and learn from. We’ll see that there’s a way to handle conflict that’s not only better for our relationships, but for our own peace as well.
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