That's True

There are many things that are subjective, but truth is not.

Serious Question Part 2

The reason Christ Followers can't really be close to and real with one another is because we know we'll be betrayed.  We know it because it has happened to us in the past.  Most of the time in relationships someone comes out on the short end of the stick.

What we've missed is the whole point.  Vulnerability and realness in relationships implies that there is a risk.  The risk is getting hurt.  Otherwise there would be nothing vulnerable about being vulnerable.

Jesus knows this.  He also knows that it is worth the risk.  What is gained when there really is a connection between God's kids far outweighs the temporal hurt and confusion that comes through betrayal.  Even when betrayal is the norm and connection is the exception.

That's why He tells us to "love one another as yourself" and to "share everything in common" and to "confess to one another" and to "defend each other."  That's why He did all these things Himself, with a bunch of guys He knew would betray Him.  

Now, the serious question is this:

Do you trust Him enough to be vulnerable with other believers - over and over again - knowing that the outcome will most often hurt?

I'll be honest, that is a hard question for me to answer. But, He's never failed me before.  

Serious Question

Jesus said that there are two things more important than anything else. In fact, not only were they more important than anything else, but everything else that is good depends on them. What are these things?

Jesus said to him, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40

Think about what "as yourself" means and how that is the opposite of what your flesh desires. Forget about your neighbor and just focus on the other believers who are close to you. Let's start with them. Now, here's the serious question: Do you?