In geography, a boundary is that which marks the end of one property or jurisdiction and the beginning of another.

In interpersonal relationships, a boundary is what divides one person from another, so that each can have separate identities, responsibilities, and privileges.

A boundary creates necessary "space" between individuals. Healthy boundaries define expectations and show respect for others.

Boundaries are related to self-control. In the Bible, God commands us to control ourselves, whereas our human nature desires to control others.

If left unchecked, our natural desires run roughshod over others. Personal boundaries help to limit our selfish inclination to control or manipulate others.

Likewise, boundaries protect us from those who have no self-control and who wish to control us.

Boundaries can be used in healthy ways and unhealthy ways.

The way to know which boundaries are good is to examine the motive.

Are you protecting yourself or someone weaker from potential harm, either emotional or physical? If so, then you are setting healthy and needful boundaries.

However, if you are maintaining distance simply because you desire to exclude someone, that is wrong. Boundaries that deny people opportunities are wrong and unfair.

Boundaries are about taking responsibility for our own lives. God gives us freedom to choose to live within His boundaries or outside of them, and to live outside of God's boundaries means to accept the consequences.

Living inside God's boundaries brings blessing, and living outside of them brings destruction and death.

A healthy marriage requires boundaries. Marital boundaries keep sex and intimacy within the relationship while respecting each person's needs. Violating these boundaries will quickly destroy trust.

Children often feel boundaries are "mean" when they are immature. When they grow up, they usually realize the boundaries were to keep them safe.

Boundaries teach us to accept one another as being different yet still valuable. God uses boundaries to help us appreciate the differences in people rather than be upset by them.

We live in a generation where even governments have violated God's boundaries for a healthy and happy life. Christians are being faced with new challenges - obey the government or obey God.

Whilst we are commanded by God to obey the government, when this means breaking God's eternal laws we are called to make a stand for righteousness.

Only on judgement day, a day that every individual will face alone, will we be rewarded or condemned for the stand each of us has taken.

Pam Sammut Pastor Tenterfield Community Church