“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” — Matthew 5:37
“Love is patient, love is kind… it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
There’s a dangerous lie that often disguises itself as love — the belief that we must endlessly endure mistreatment in the name of loyalty. That forgiveness means forgetting, and that love means allowing ourselves to be diminished.
But this is not the love of Christ.
True love is mutual. It is built upon honesty, respect, and a sincere willingness to care for the heart of another. It does not manipulate or disregard. It does not abuse. When someone continually belittles or ignores the dignity of another, yet plays the victim when consequences follow — that is not love. That is spiritual confusion.
Jesus calls us to forgiveness, yes — seventy times seven times — but never at the expense of enabling sin or sacrificing the sacred worth of our soul. Even Christ Himself walked away from towns that rejected Him (Matthew 10:14). Even He set boundaries, told hard truths, and never allowed others to distort the nature of love for the sake of comfort.
If you have been mistreated, misunderstood, or made to feel that your desire for peace is a betrayal — take heart. You are not weak for walking away. You are wise. You are not disloyal for setting boundaries. You are honoring the image of God in you.
And if, in reflection, you recognize that you have caused pain — even unknowingly — do not be afraid to repent. God’s mercy is vast. Restoration begins with truth. Humility opens the door to healing, but denial only deepens the wounds.
Relationships fail not because people stop loving, but because love is not nourished. They crumble not because someone “gave up,” but because someone could no longer survive on broken promises and quiet tears. There is a breaking point in every soul — and sometimes the holiest act a heart can take is to finally say no more.
May we never confuse consequences with betrayal. May we strive to love as Christ loves — with both tenderness and truth. And may we remember: sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is walk away with grace.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have I confused forgiveness with allowing harmful behavior to continue?
2. In what ways might I need to set healthy, Christ-centered boundaries?
3. Is there someone I need to forgive — or seek forgiveness from — with honesty and humility?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
You are the Author of truth and the fullness of love. Help me to walk in integrity, to give love that does not wound, and to receive love that does not diminish. When I must walk away, let me do so in peace, not pride. When I must stay, give me the strength to speak with courage. Guard my heart from becoming hard or bitter. Teach me that boundaries can be holy, and that walking in the light may sometimes mean walking away. I trust You to heal what is broken and to protect what is sacred. Amen.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Holy Beautiful Life
Featured Image by An Le from Pixabay
