Donna Naborsyour Spiritual jewelry box.

 

Crossing the Boundary of our Comfort Zone

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

I remember comments I heard from others when my children had been at their home overnight or for playtime or maybe with their family for dinner. The comments were always positive. They talked about how polite and well behaved my children were, how they listened, and how they shared. Evidently my children never argued or wanted their own way. Wow! Were these the same children that lived at my house?

Yes, my children knew how to behave. They knew how to be polite, listen, and share. I was, however, blessed to know that they followed through on what they knew when out with others away from home. But why weren’t they always like this at home?

Perhaps it’s a good thing. They knew they were loved at home. They were comfortable at home knowing that we wouldn’t stop loving them if they messed up. They could share how they felt and what they thought, even sometimes in the wrong way. The comfort zone at home provided unconditional love, even with discipline when boundaries were crossed.

Are we this way with God? Do we ever take advantage of the comfort zone of His love? Resting in God’s love is a good thing. We can bring our real selves with thoughts and baggage and temper tantrums to God. He wants us to talk to Him and bring these things to Him. But do we ever get to the point of not only resting in His unconditional love but perhaps taking advantage of it?

I know I shouldn’t say this or do this, but God loves me. It won’t separate me from His love. That’s true, but sin does cross a boundary that places a stumbling block in our relationship.

Do we put on a show and behave as we should in front of others but ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit?

A classic example is rushing out of the house and driving to church with the family with everyone arguing. But when you step out of the car, everyone loves everyone and appears to be the perfect family. When church is over, do we get back in the car with bitter, sullen faces and grudges, or have we allowed the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and show His love to our family?

Do we answer the phone with a cheery voice while in the middle of a heated argument with our spouse? We are patient and kind with our friends, but perhaps not so much with our spouse knowing they will still love us in the morning.

My challenge to you and also to me this week is to live in the comfort zone of God’s love while also extending His grace and mercy outside of those boundaries to others.

I welcome your thoughts.