Counsel #2 — Vulnerability In Relationships

Picture: Counsel #2 — Vulnerability In RelationshipsCI 99.1

Earthly relationships are essential to living. Those we are close to such as parents, spouses, children, and friends should bring us joy and fulfillment ideally. However, these same relationships (and others) make us vulnerable to physical or emotional damage and pain. Even though there is certain risk involved in being vulnerable, choosing to be open and sharing our feelings with others is the only way to truly connect and grow deep and meaningful relationships.^{[95]https://adventistreview.org/magazine-article/attached-to-god/}CI 99.2

“My friends at Corinth, our hearts are wide open to you and we speak freely, holding nothing back from you. If there is a block in our relationship, it is not with us, for we carry you in our hearts with great love, yet you still withhold your affections from us. So I speak to you as our children. Make room in your hearts for us as we have done for you.” 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 TPTCI 99.3

“Press together. Do not make little wedges of slight differences of opinion, and drive them in to separate heart from heart, but see how you can forgive those who trespass against you, even as you want your Father in heaven to forgive your trespasses.” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 178CI 99.4

Reflect: When someone hurts your feelings, do you want to withdraw into your shell like a turtle, or are you willing to make yourself vulnerable by explaining how their actions or words made you feel?CI 99.5