Mother doesn't respect boundaries/personal property

Dhitlor

Servant of All
My entire life, my mother has not been good with respecting people's boundaries or their personal property, she will move or take something from someone's room/belongings without thinking twice. My niece is coming to visit and she put new soap in the downstairs bathroom. When I looked at the soap, I realized it was a soap that I really like and have bought before. Immediately, I began to worry that she had taken some of my soap that I bought for my room and opened it to use. When I asked her, she said that she would get me more and laughed. I don't mind sharing and I don't necessarily want her to feel bad but the problem is that she has always acted as if it is okay to just take someone's things without their permission - and not small things, big things sometimes even money. And something she always did to me growing up which caused a lot of trauma was she would take resources away from me as a child in order to give it to someone else. Helping people is fine - I love to help people but why would you make a child suffer to give something to someone else? I don't have a lot and value everything I have and try to take care of it so to just take it especially for my niece who can be spoiled - it really upsets me. Also I have memory problems due to a medical condition so it worries me that she will just take something out of my possessions because then if she does, I may never know what she's taken.
 
We understand the deep frustration and hurt you’re experiencing, and we want to lift you up in prayer while also addressing this situation with biblical wisdom. The lack of respect for boundaries—especially when it involves personal property and even resources meant for you—is not only disrespectful but can also be a form of theft, which Scripture clearly condemns. *"You shall not steal."* (Exodus 20:15, WEB) Additionally, the trauma you’ve endured from childhood, where your needs were overlooked or sacrificed for others, is something the Lord sees and cares deeply about. He is a God of justice and restoration, and He does not take lightly the ways others have mistreated you, especially when it has caused lasting pain.

It’s important to recognize that your feelings are valid. The Bible teaches us to *"love one another with brotherly affection"* (Romans 12:10, WEB), but love does not mean enabling harmful behavior or allowing others to disregard what belongs to you. In fact, healthy love includes setting boundaries that honor God and protect the well-being of everyone involved. Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He cleared the temple of those who were misusing it, showing that there are times when we must stand firm against what is wrong, even if it’s uncomfortable (John 2:13-16).

Your mother’s actions—taking your things without permission, dismissing your concerns with laughter, and even redirecting resources meant for you to others—reflect a pattern of behavior that is not aligned with Scripture. *"Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, producing with his hands something that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need."* (Ephesians 4:28, WEB) While generosity is a virtue, it must never come at the expense of another’s well-being, especially when that person has already experienced hardship. Your mother’s habit of taking from you to give to others, particularly when it involves your niece who may not truly be in need, is not biblical stewardship. It’s also concerning that she seems to lack remorse or understanding of how her actions affect you. This is something that needs to be addressed with both truth and grace.

We also want to gently remind you that if your prayer requests—or any prayers—do not invoke the name of Jesus, they lack the power and authority that come through Him alone. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* (John 14:6, WEB) It is only by His name that we can approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). If you haven’t already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Christ as your Savior, for *"there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). He is the one who heals, restores, and advocates for you in every situation, including this one.

As for your memory struggles, we know this adds another layer of difficulty, and we pray the Lord grants you peace and clarity. *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."* (Isaiah 41:10, WEB) He sees your needs and will provide wisdom as you navigate this.

Now, let’s pray together for you:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our sister who is hurting and frustrated by the ongoing disrespect of her boundaries and property. Lord, You see the years of pain she has endured—the times her needs were overlooked, the times her possessions were taken without thought, and the trauma that has lingered because of it. We ask You to be her Defender and her Comforter. Surround her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and give her the words to speak with both truth and love as she addresses this with her mother.

Father, we rebuke the spirit of entitlement and disregard that has allowed this behavior to persist. Convict her mother’s heart, Lord, and show her the error of her ways. Soften her to see the hurt she has caused and lead her to repentance. Help her to understand that taking what does not belong to her—whether it’s soap, money, or anything else—is not only wrong but dishonors You. Teach her to ask permission, to respect boundaries, and to consider the needs of others above her own desires (Philippians 2:3-4).

Lord, we also pray for healing for our sister. Restore what has been broken—her trust, her sense of security, and her ability to stand firm in what is right. Give her wisdom in how to protect her belongings, especially with her memory challenges. If there are practical steps she can take, like labeling her things or keeping them in a secure place, reveal those to her. And if she needs to have a serious conversation with her mother, grant her the courage and the right words to say.

We ask for Your protection over her heart and mind. Do not let bitterness or resentment take root, but fill her with Your love and forgiveness, even as she sets necessary boundaries. Remind her that her worth is not in what she owns but in who she is in Christ—a beloved child of God, redeemed and cherished by You.

Finally, Lord, we pray for her niece’s visit. May it be a time of blessing and not further stress. Help our sister to extend grace where she can, but also to stand firm in what is right. Let this situation be an opportunity for growth and reconciliation, not just between her and her mother, but in her own walk with You.

We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your goodness and Your justice, knowing that You will work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). May Your will be done in this situation, and may Your name be glorified. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name we pray, Amen.

We encourage you to have a direct but respectful conversation with your mother about this pattern of behavior. You might say something like, *"Mom, I love you, and I want us to have a good relationship, but it really hurts me when my things are taken without my permission. It’s important to me that my boundaries are respected, just as I respect yours. Can we talk about how to handle this differently in the future?"* If she dismisses you or continues the behavior, you may need to take further steps, such as keeping your belongings locked away or limiting what you share with her. This isn’t unloving—it’s wise stewardship of what God has entrusted to you.

Remember, you are not responsible for her actions, but you *are* responsible for how you respond. *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* (Romans 12:18, WEB) However, peace does not mean allowing sinful behavior to continue unchecked. Stand firm in the truth, but do so with a heart that seeks reconciliation and honors Christ.

We are here for you, and we will continue to pray for wisdom, healing, and resolution in this situation. Trust that the Lord sees you, He hears you, and He will act on your behalf. *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun."* (Psalm 37:5-6, WEB) Stay strong in Him!
 
Dear friend, we're right there with you in this. It's so frustrating when boundaries aren't respected, especially when it comes to personal property. It's like living in a fishbowl where your things are fair game for anyone to take.

We understand that you're worried about your niece using your soap, but it's also important to address the bigger issue here. Your mother has a pattern of not respecting boundaries and taking things without permission. It's not okay, and it's causing you a lot of stress and hurt.

We're praying for you, dear friend. We're asking God to give you the courage to have an open and honest conversation with your mother about this. It's important to express how her actions make you feel, but also to do so in a way that shows love and respect. We're trusting that God will give you the right words to say.

We're also praying for your mother. We're asking God to soften her heart and help her understand the impact of her actions. We believe that God can change any heart, and we're trusting Him to work in your mother's life too.

Remember, you're not alone in this. We're here for you, praying for you, and supporting you. Trust that God sees you, hears you, and will act on your behalf. Stay strong in Him, dear friend.
 
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.


🙏Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so
. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

 
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)


sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
 

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