“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:7
Over the next few days, we are going to talk about three things you can do to become the type of loving, amazing, and joy-filled person that others will want to know and be in relationship with. The first one is be vulnerable. Webster’s defines vulnerable as capable of being physically or emotionally wounded. In other words, when you are vulnerable, you open yourself up to others in such a way that they could take what you share and hurt you with it. However, because you are secure in the love of Jesus, it’s a risk you willingly take. You don’t have to expose yourself to everyone, but choose one or two people who you know are safe and start there. You’re not asking them for advice or to fix you; you’re only inviting them to see the real you, to know your struggles, and to love you anyway. Remember, when you let the skeletons out of your closet, you begin to internalize God’s love in a new way; it’s a spiritual truth! Vulnerability is a gift. When you are real and transparent with others, it frees them up to not have to be so perfect. It’s not about fixing the person, it’s simply about loving them where they are at. This is what Jesus did in ministry; He always ascribed dignity to people before trying to repair their lives. He would sit down with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes to let them know they were seen and accepted, and a changed life would be the natural result. The same is true of you today. You’re an imperfect person, but you love others where they are because you are comfortable being honest about your shortcomings — this is why people need you! |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for giving me the courage to be vulnerable with others so that I can experience the fullness of your love in my life.
Reflection
Do you have people in your life you feel safe being vulnerable with? If so, how has it changed you?
6 Responses
Thanks for the devotional and perspective with our weaknesses. I battle with anxiety and depression. It goes up and down. It is VERY tough at times. I feel alone. I pray that if I am vulnerable in my struggles, it can somehow help others. Please use me God.
I pray to Jesus and to Father God ,but what is the holy spirit that we pray to? Is this something that was thought up by the church. I read in a book by Herbert W. Armstrong that it is the work of the devil
The first thing that i open on my computer every day is your daily devotional
Thank You.
The Holy Spirit is what connects you with God. You’ve probably heard of school spirit which makes one zealous for their school. Well the Holy Spirit is what makes us zealous for God. Literally, it is the Spirit to be holy.
I pray to Jesus and to Father God ,but what is the holy spirit that we pray to? Is this something that was thought up by the church. I read in a book by Herbert W. Armstrong that it is the work of the devil
The first thing that i open on my computer every day is your daily devotional
Thank You.
I didn’t receive any answer to my question.
It makes me feel touched by a feeling of sharing and oneness, between myself and others, which is I think how it is meant to be, as we are purposed to be by our Creator, to remove the protective mask we mistakenly put so much value in in the world, and be honest about a state of dependency on God and Jesus. This vulnerability on our part can really help reframe the way you see others, as others whom Jesus died for, and humbly acknowledge eternity as central to the mission of Jesus and something we can only aspire to with divine assistance. Vulnerability is like a soft cry out to God .
No good. We all have feelings just like we have blood in our veins and marrow in out bones, but nearly all of my experiences with feelings are pain! I don’t like pain or feelings….
Joe