Authenticity Means Being Vulnerable

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18 NASB

“To love at all is to be vulnerable, love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” C.S. Lewis – Four Loves

I love authentic people, not only are they easy and fun to be with, but they give me the courage to live authentically. They’re warm, inviting, graceful, joy-filled.  They are not perfectionists. I leave their presence feeling just a bit better. Enlarged. May we be courageous enough to do the same because…

We practice vulnerability.

And you will get hurt. You will be stunned. You will have a broken heart. You will be betrayed. You will be criticized and sometimes cruelly by spineless creatures on the Internet. Sometimes by our own family. Yet, we must love, authentically, or it’s not love. It could be some people-pleasing, approval-seeking, manipulative, codependent behavior. It’s making someone else responsible for my well-being, my sense of self, and validation. If that person disapproves, then I crumble.

There’s only one Person who can give us perfect love. And He waits for your invitation. He does not cross boundaries, threaten, or intimidate. He does it perfectly. Where is our treasure? Where is our self-image? What is our idea of success?  Don’t let another define you.

Musings

The most authentic, unassuming, validating Person I know is Jesus. From rabble-rousing fishermen, tax collectors, and prostitutes to imperfect me, He was and is real. He had no advantages. He grieved. He wept. No status. No sports cars. No designer clothes. No media platform. No agent. Yet, people were drawn to him. Changed with him. Loved him. Died for him. He experienced everything and more to be our Savior. He was perfect in love.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you that you have made us unique individuals with stewardship over the talents you’ve given. Help us to live authentically for that is the only way we can truly live and love. Love hurts sometimes. Your beloved son knows this. “For the joy set before Him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Thank you for joy and a life with all the ups, downs and in between to help us become authentic.

Amen.