The Power of Vulnerability
It might seem natural to equate spiritual health with an absence of weakness and vulnerability. Maybe it’s exactly the opposite. Sometimes power and strength are found where we least expect them. Could it be that running from weakness is actually a weakness? We become spiritually healthy when we see the value of humility, weakness, and vulnerability—all-powerful responses when combined with trust in God. When it comes to strength, God’s ways can seem upside down.
Discussion Questions
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 is one of the most remarkable passages in the New Testament. What is Paul’s view of weakness in his life? How is this perspective upside-down from how many people view strength and power?
What is vulnerability? How might vulnerability be a good trait? What is the relationship between shame and joy and vulnerability?
Peter Scazzero says, “It is not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.” What does that mean and how might that apply to your life?
Read Psalm 9:1 and 103:1. Why is it important not to hold back from God what’s inside of you? How is Psalm 77:3 at the statement of vulnerability to God?
What guidelines would you suggest for being vulnerable with other people? What are the dangers and benefits of vulnerability?
Further Reading
Searching for the Generous Life
Just like modest investments can grow over time, our investment into God's kingdom generates growth and produces eternal dividends. The apostle Paul presented the Macedonian believers as an example of generous giving to the Corinthian church and to us. Let's explore...
Searching for Reconciliation
Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...
Searching for Courage
On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....
Searching for the Abundant Life
Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...
Searching for Real Friendship
Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...