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Rolling out of bed, I grabbed my phone and noticed a message from my friend halfway around the world asking if we could talk.
I heated up a cup of ginger tea and dialed her number. When her face popped up on Messenger, I smiled.
Even though we had only talked a few times before and never met in person, she opened her heart and shared her heartache. I listened, and we cried.
Her vulnerability challenged me, because this is where I struggle. Not because I don’t want to be open, but when I have shared private or painful details with others, some have criticized me, making me feel embarrassed and judged.
The apostle Paul encourages Christians to be vulnerable.
“Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!” 2 Corinthians 6:11-13
Paul opened his heart to the Corinthians, but they weren’t reciprocating. They remained closed, believing the false teachers’ lies. Paul knew vulnerability would deepen their relationships and keep them accountable.
The same is true for us. How can we be more vulnerable?
Vulnerability is a choice and requires courage to:
Speak honestly rather than give superficial responses. It removes the walls, allowing others to look in - hoping that we will still be accepted and loved.
Love people rather than judge them. A loving person listens and shows compassion, realizing we all struggle with something. The problem may not get solved, but the person is present.
Jump in. People may hurt our feelings. But if we close down, we will miss out on rich friendships. We should try and mend our strained relationships, but keep reaching out to build new ones with others.
As we open our hearts, it encourages others to open theirs. We realize that we aren’t alone and that everyone struggles with something.
So, jump in. Be vulnerable with a friend, and ask the Lord to bless your friendships.
Who is someone you can be vulnerable with? How can you “jump in?”
My friend from overseas has been a huge blessing to me. Even though we have never met in person, she has been vulnerable with me and given me the courage to share my heart with her. I would like to be more vulnerable with a friend from church. Earlier this year I shared some struggles with her and felt judged. I stopped sharing with her. I will start texting and calling again. Start small - share little things again and start building that trust back up.