Authentic Vulnerability

Have you ever had such a great conversation that afterwards you think and reflect on the conversation that just took place and realized, "I really shared a lot right then?"

Last night was one of those for me. Those late nights with buddies, with roomies, with family and friends and the great conversations that accompany that time are all special.

However, I realized something at 2:30 in the morning after a long night of conversation and fun with someone that I thoroughly enjoy spending much time with. And that is that being brutally honest inevitably results in some degree of vulnerability. In a sense, this is what friendship is built on. Is it not? Trust is vital. Authenticity is vital. Vulnerability is essential. How can a person be completely honest and yet hold back some issues from the past (before regeneration, embarrassing moments, post-conversion sinful experiences, etc.)?

Upon reflection last night, not only was I amazed at the marvelous company that I had, but the depth, the seriousness, the fun, the laughing in the conversation was incredible. It truly is real, vulnerability is a ramification of telling the truth. And if telling the truth and being honest is a core element in any relationship, the only conclusion is that it leads to an element of vulnerability.

But that is the glorious reality of friendships. They deepen more and more upon great conversations, experiences shared together, and common bonds. The Scriptures speak of friendships that were solid - yet vulnerable (cf. David and Jonathan, 1 Sam. 20). How we can be encouraged - not just to trust, not just to be honest, not just to be open, but to give all Glory to God in every conversation that is uttered.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.