Finding Rest in God: Embracing Boundaries and Grace

Devotional

Day 1: Carrying Our Own Load: Personal Responsibility in Faith

As followers of Christ, it is natural to desire change in those we love, especially when their choices cause pain or hardship. Yet Scripture calls us to focus first on our own walk with God, carrying the responsibilities and burdens that are truly ours. When we try to take on the burdens of others—whether out of love, pride, or a sense of duty—we risk overstepping the boundaries God has set and exhausting ourselves with loads we were never meant to bear. True spiritual growth comes when we recognize what is ours to carry and trust God to work in the hearts of others, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide both us and them in His timing. [37:29]

Galatians 6:1-5 (ESV)
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.

Reflection: What is one burden you have been carrying for someone else that you need to release to God today, trusting Him to work in their life?

Day 2: Respecting Boundaries: Honoring What God Has Entrusted

God has established boundaries in our lives—lines of responsibility, care, and stewardship that are not to be crossed without His leading. When we move these boundaries, whether in relationships, family, or community, we risk confusion, resentment, and even spiritual harm. Just as ancient boundary stones marked out fields and protected the vulnerable, so too do healthy boundaries protect our hearts and relationships. By honoring these God-given limits, we allow each person to grow, mature, and take responsibility for their own journey, while we remain faithful to what God has entrusted to us. [44:36]

Proverbs 22:28 (ESV)
Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.

Reflection: Where in your life have you been tempted to cross a boundary—perhaps by taking responsibility for someone else’s choices or problems—and how can you honor God’s boundaries this week?

Day 3: Living at Peace: Trusting God with Others’ Salvation

In close relationships, especially within families, it can be deeply painful to watch a loved one walk a different path or struggle with faith. Yet Scripture reminds us that each person is ultimately responsible before God for their own faith. Our calling is to live at peace, to love faithfully, and to trust that God is at work in the hearts of those we care about. We are not called to save our spouse, child, or friend by our own efforts, but to pray, to love, and to let the Holy Spirit do His transforming work in their lives. [01:02:01]

1 Corinthians 7:12-16 (ESV)
To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Reflection: Who in your life are you trying to “save” by your own strength, and how can you surrender them to God’s care and choose to live at peace today?

Day 4: Letting Go of Control: Trusting the Holy Spirit’s Work

It is easy to believe that if we just try harder, say the right words, or do enough, we can change someone else’s heart or behavior. But true transformation belongs to God alone. When we try to control or fix others, we may unintentionally hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and burden ourselves with frustration and disappointment. Instead, we are called to pray, to love, and to trust that God is able to accomplish what we cannot, releasing our need to control and allowing space for God’s grace to work in His perfect timing. [59:28]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection: In what situation do you need to let go of your desire to control or fix someone, and how can you actively trust the Holy Spirit to work in their life?

Day 5: Acting in Love, Not Judgment

When we see the faults or struggles of others, it is tempting to judge or to use even God’s Word as a tool for correction without love. Yet Jesus calls us to examine our own hearts first, to remove the log from our own eye before addressing the speck in another’s. Love is patient, kind, and full of grace; it does not force change but walks alongside others with compassion and humility. By acting in love rather than judgment, we create space for God’s truth to be received and for genuine transformation to take place. [01:04:35]

Matthew 7:3-5 (ESV)
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Reflection: Is there someone you have been judging or trying to correct without first examining your own heart? How can you choose to act in love and humility toward them today?

Sermon Summary

In these challenging times, it is a comfort to remember that our souls find rest in God alone—He is our rock, our salvation, and our fortress. As we reflect on our relationships, it’s natural to wish for change in those close to us, whether it’s a roommate with annoying habits, a spouse struggling with addiction, or a child making painful choices. Yet, before focusing on others, we must first examine ourselves and our own walk with the Lord. Scripture calls us to restore others gently, but also warns us not to take on burdens that are not ours to carry. Each of us is responsible for our own “knapsack”—the unique set of responsibilities, challenges, and growth that God has entrusted to us.

Boundaries are essential, both in practical life and in our spiritual journey. Just as a child must eventually learn to clean their own room and take responsibility for their actions, so too must we learn where our responsibilities end and another’s begin. When we overstep these boundaries—out of love, fear, or pride—we risk carrying loads that God never intended for us. This not only exhausts us but can also hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those we love. The wisdom of Proverbs warns us not to move ancient boundary stones, reminding us that God Himself guards the lines between what is ours to carry and what belongs to others.

It is tempting to make someone else’s change our mission, especially when their choices deeply affect us. But true transformation is the work of God alone. Our role is to love, to pray, and to walk alongside others, not to take their burdens into our own hearts. Even in marriage, as Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 7, each person is ultimately responsible for their own faith before God. We are called to live at peace, as far as it depends on us, trusting that God is able to sanctify and redeem in ways we cannot.

There is grace for us when we overstep, when we try to fix others, or when we fail to carry our own load well. The Holy Spirit is our guide, helping us discern what is ours to carry and what we must entrust to God. May we find rest in the pleasant places where our boundary lines have fallen, and may we trust God to do His transforming work in the lives of those we love.

Key Takeaways

1. The desire to see others change is often rooted in good intentions, but it can easily become a burden we are not meant to carry. When we take responsibility for someone else’s growth or healing, we risk exhausting ourselves and interfering with the unique work God wants to do in their life. True love means walking alongside others, not carrying their knapsack for them. [34:22]
2. Boundaries are a gift from God, designed to protect both ourselves and those we love. Just as ancient boundary stones marked out fields, so too do spiritual and relational boundaries mark out what is ours to steward. When we move these boundaries—by taking on others’ responsibilities or trying to fix their problems—we trespass on sacred ground and risk disrupting God’s order. [44:36]
3. The temptation to “fix” others can lead us to use even good things, like Scripture, in harmful ways. When we wield the Word of God without love, grace, and humility, we risk turning it into a weapon rather than a source of healing. Our calling is not to force change, but to embody Christ’s love and trust the Spirit to convict and transform. [64:35]
4. In relationships, especially marriage, each person is ultimately accountable to God for their own faith and choices. While our presence and prayers can be a sanctifying influence, we cannot save or change another person by our own effort. Peace comes from accepting our limits and entrusting the outcome to God, who alone has the power to redeem. [60:54]
5. There is abundant grace for us when we overstep boundaries or struggle to carry our own load. The Holy Spirit gently leads us back to what is ours to carry and offers forgiveness when we try to take on too much. As we learn to let go and trust God with the burdens of others, we find rest and freedom in His care. [62:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:46] - Who Do You Want to Change?
[33:38] - The Pain of Wanting Change
[34:22] - Turning the Focus Inward
[35:37] - Our Desire to Fix Others
[36:20] - The Call and Warning of Galatians 6
[37:29] - What Is Our Responsibility?
[38:14] - When Change Is Urgent: Abuse and Boundaries
[39:42] - The Growth of Children and Boundaries
[41:35] - Distinction and Responsibility in Families
[42:30] - Learning About Boundaries
[43:35] - Carrying Our Own Load
[44:36] - The Dangers of Moving Boundaries
[48:28] - The Parable of Jack and Jill
[51:29] - The Futility of Forcing Change
[52:53] - Tragic Consequences of Misplaced Zeal
[54:45] - Only God Can Pay the Debt
[55:26] - Faith, Hope, and Love in Relationships
[56:06] - Boundaries in Parenting
[57:57] - Letting Go of Others’ Burdens
[59:28] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[60:54] - Marriage, Faith, and Responsibility
[62:01] - Called to Live in Peace
[62:48] - Grace for Our Failures
[63:52] - A Personal Story of Misusing Scripture
[64:35] - Trusting God’s Work in Others

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 6:1-5 (ESV) — > 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
> 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
> 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
> 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
> 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Proverbs 22:28 (ESV) — > Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set.

1 Corinthians 7:12-16 (ESV) — > 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
> 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.
> 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
> 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.
> 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

Observation Questions

According to Galatians 6:1-5, what is the difference between “bearing one another’s burdens” and “each will have to bear his own load”? How did the sermon illustrate this with the “knapsack” and the idea of personal responsibility? [[37:29]]
What warning does Proverbs 22:28 give about boundaries, and how did the sermon connect this to our relationships and responsibilities? [[44:36]]
In 1 Corinthians 7, what does Paul say about the responsibility of a believing spouse toward an unbelieving spouse? How does this relate to the idea of boundaries in relationships? [[01:00:54]]
The sermon gave examples of wanting others to change (roommates, spouses, children). What are some of the reasons we want others to change, according to the message? [[33:38]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul instruct believers to restore others “gently” and to “watch yourselves” in Galatians 6:1? What dangers might come from trying to fix someone else’s problems? [[36:20]]
The sermon described how moving boundaries—taking on others’ responsibilities—can actually hinder God’s work in their lives. Why might this be the case? [[44:36]]
In the context of marriage, why does Paul emphasize that each person is responsible for their own faith before God? How does this shape the way we approach change in those closest to us? [[01:00:54]]
The message mentioned that even good things, like Scripture, can be used in harmful ways if not done with love and humility. What are the risks of using the Bible as a “weapon” in relationships? [[01:03:52]]

Application Questions

Think of a relationship where you deeply desire to see someone change. Are there ways you have tried to “carry their knapsack” or take responsibility for their growth? How has this affected you and your relationship? [[34:22]]
Are there any “boundary stones” in your life that you have moved—areas where you have taken on burdens or responsibilities that are not yours? What would it look like to return those to God and trust Him with the outcome? [[44:36]]
The sermon gave the example of a parent cleaning a child’s room instead of letting the child learn responsibility. Are there areas in your family or friendships where you need to let others carry their own load, even if it’s hard to watch? [[56:06]]
When have you tried to use Scripture or spiritual advice to “fix” someone, rather than loving and walking alongside them? How can you approach these situations differently in the future? [[01:03:52]]
In your marriage or close relationships, do you feel responsible for the other person’s spiritual growth or choices? How can you shift your focus to your own walk with God while still loving and supporting them? [[01:00:54]]
The message talked about the exhaustion that comes from carrying burdens God never intended for us. Are you feeling worn out in any area of your life because of this? What step could you take this week to let go and find rest in God? [[43:35]]
The sermon reminded us that there is grace when we overstep or fail. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you discern what is yours to carry and what you need to entrust to God? [[01:02:48]]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the importance of setting personal boundaries?

How does faith influence handling others' spiritual struggles?

What role does grace play in Christian relationships?