Let’s face it. This story is difficult to understand. I have been struggling with it all week. But then I heard a short phrase that offered some help. I am not sure if the phrase came to me in a dream or a conversation. I cannot recall if I heard in a Top 40 tune or a country and western song. Nevertheless the phrase has given me an angle to understand this text. The phrase is “love with boundaries.” Have you ever heard those words? Have you ever used them yourself? Before I read this story, it never occurred to me that perhaps the love of Jesus had boundaries.

At least, that is how the story began. Here was a woman whose daughter was tormented by a demon. We do not know the specific details. Perhaps she saw her child awaken each morning with twisted limbs beneath her. Or maybe she watch…