Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #27 — Balanced Love Dynamics

Picture: Counsel #27 — Balanced Love Dynamics CR 125.1

Healthy boundaries are the foundation for a thriving relationship — it starts with understanding your own needs and limits and communicating them openly with your partner. Boundaries define what you are comfortable with and will help prevent misunderstandings or resentment in the relationship. CR 125.2

For example, if you value personal time to recharge or declutter your mind, express this in a kind and clear way, ensuring your partner understands it’s about self-care, not rejection. Practical boundaries might also include deciding how to handle disagreements—like agreeing to take a break during heated arguments to cool down—or setting limits on screen time during date nights to stay fully present, or boundaries in physical intimacy. Equally important is respecting your partner’s boundaries and showing flexibility and understanding. Maintaining healthy boundaries will create an environment where both you and your partner can feel secure and valued, helping to prevent misunderstandings, strengthen trust, and lay the groundwork for a relationship that honors each person’s individuality.²⁴ CR 125.3

“He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness.” Job 26:10 NIV CR 125.4

“There are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate His own honor...” Ellen White in God’s Amazing Grace, p. 51 CR 125.5

Reflect: Have you set clear, healthy boundaries for yourself in your relationship or are you easily overrun by your partner? What could you do to better respect your partner’s boundaries? CR 125.6