BOUNDARIES- When to Say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life

Zondervan Publishing

(Reviewed 6/03)

     The authors are Christian psychologists and writers are Zondervan is a Christian publishing house.  Boundaries is a winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award in Recognition of Excellence in Evangelical Christian Literature, and is Biblically-based.  It is well-known in the secular world as well, having been discussed on national talk shows, and it has sold over 700,000 copies.

     The book discusses setting limits in many areas of your life, including at work, at home, with your parents, spouse, children, friends, etc.  It answers many difficult questions, such as, ‘Can I set limits and still be a loving person?’, ‘Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries?’, ‘Are boundaries selfish?’, and ‘What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries?’

     Boundaries lists and talks about the Ten Laws of Boundaries, such as The Law of Sowing and Reaping, The Law of Responsibility, The Law of Respect, The Law of Envy, and The Law of Power.  It defines what a boundary is and discusses how to set boundaries in your life.

     The book also includes information on how others will react when you set limits, and the types of resistance you may encounter.  For example, regarding ‘Angry Reactions’, we are told, ‘The most common form of resistance one gets from the outside is anger.  People who get angry at others for setting boundaries have a character problem.  Self-centered, they think the world exists for them and their comfort.  They see others as extensions of themselves….’

     Boundaries is an excellent resource for those who are just learning to stand up for themselves.