These past few weeks as I've thought about the new relationship series, "Think Different," I couldn't help but laugh with the realization of how often my efforts to "just shut up and love somebody" can lead to disaster!  Clearly, I need some help in discerning how to live out Jesus' command in John 13:34, as my attempts at personal boundaries seem to easily morph into barriers and walls.

I must not be alone in that tendency. In their blog post "Are Boundaries Biblical?" Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend write that boundaries are in fact, "one of the most serious problems facing Christians today. Many sincere, dedicated believers struggle with tremendous confusion about when it is biblically appropriate to set limits." The post spells out several questions that I often hear from friends and family regarding misconceptions about boundaries and does a great job of summarizing the key issue:

"Misinformation about the Bible's answers to these issues has led to much wrong teaching about boundaries. Not only that, but many clinical psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, addictions, impulsive disorders, guilt problems, shame issues, panic disorders, and marital and relational struggles, find their root in conflicts with boundaries."  Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

As a church, we take this issue seriously - so I'm very excited to tell you about our new MontroseYOU class, Grow 204: Boundaries, Marriage & Relationships. This six-week class, led by a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, starts on June 3 and is one more way to take the next step to strengthen your relationships.

Get all of the details for this new class and register online now using our secure system, as space is filling quickly!  Please note that the first time you use the system, you'll need to create an account. You can register yourself or a member of your household immediately after you have set up your account.  Got questions or need help with your account? Download a quick reference card or contact us for assistance.