BOB CRAINE DAY II
On the second day, Bob Craine began by discussing the dangers of comparing oneself to others. Such comparisons often lead to either pride or depression. It's important to take note of how people treat you. If your parents speak down to you, others are likely to follow suit. My brothers observed how my mother treated me and began to behave similarly. My oldest brother became a Christian as a teenager, and he did not continue to victimise me, but instead started praying for my salvation.
Bob Craine urged us to set boundaries. We must discern what biblical truth is and isn't. This idea resonates with me. It recalls a session with Dr. Kroon during my divorce. If you set boundaries for yourself, you must also stop others from violating them.
He emphasized that Jesus didn’t always turn the other cheek. Jesus practised self-control, and we should too. We must not allow others to sin against us. If you cannot reason with someone, it's okay to walk away. Keeping a journal can help; note down instances when someone crosses your boundaries. Pray about these situations, look for patterns, and decide how to cope. If you feel angry, note that anger signals something is wrong. Remember, you must forgive first.
Matthew 6:12-15 (NIV):
"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
When Hendrik and I married, I invited my middle brother to the wedding. He often overstepped my boundaries. When he didn’t respond, I called to confirm his attendance. His reply was, “Who wants to marry you?” I could hear the disdain in his voice, and that remark cut deep. That day, I decided I would no longer reach out to him. I saw him at my mother’s funeral, but we had little interaction that day, and we never spoke again; he passed away in May 2018.
I feel sad for the relationship we could have had. But, I had to protect myself from his constant belittling. I resolved to live my life to the fullest and could no longer allow him to hurt me with his sarcastic remarks. I have forgiven him, and I hope he is with our Lord. I also wish that we will have another chance to reconnect in heaven. So be it Lord.
