Session 14

Setting Boundaries

From It Starts With Me

READ: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Titus 2:11-14

Let’s commit to set physical boundaries long before we get into a relationship. By knowing where you stand and what God has called you to do, you’ll be stronger and less likely to give into temptation when it comes. 

It’s easy to decide you want to commit to purity. It’s way harder to follow through. Ambiguity is one of the leading causes of moral failure - you don’t make the right decision because you haven’t decided what the right decision is! A lot of us don’t take the time to process how we feel or what God has told us is within His will for us physically. It’s no wonder that when we’re in tempting situations, we cave. 

Without knowing your own boundaries, it’s easy to blame the other person for ‘pushing your boundaries’ or ‘doing more than you would have wanted.’

Instead of making excuses, it’s time to own your purity.

Decide how God wants you to live and be bold! Share your thoughts with your boyfriend or girlfriend early on and build accountability within your relationship, as well as with other trusted friends. Don’t wait until you’ve gone too far and feel guilty to determine your boundaries. Don’t wait until you hit the other person’s boundaries. Take initiative to protect both your purity and your significant other’s purity. Your relationship with Jesus and your ability to hear His voice will grow stronger when you realize that purity starts with you. 

• Spend some time listing out 5-10 physical boundaries that you need to have. These need to be as honest and specific as possible. For example, we should not hang out in each other’s bedrooms alone. 

• Pray that Jesus would give you a heart for purity and that you would truly desire to live your life His way and enjoy obeying Him. 

• Tell someone about your physical boundaries. This forces you to be honest with yourself, and holds you to a higher level of accountability.