One of the worst parts of a failed relationship is when it’s down to trust being broken.
It might look cool to appear non-committal and wait for others to make a move before you think of making one, but actually beyond that hard surface there is something that finds being free to make steps and free to be trusted to be vulnerable.
When you can trust in a relationship there’s a sense of safety. There’s a sense of refuge.
I have always wanted to be among a community of people where I can feel safe to be vulnerable. However much I might enjoy my own company, I actually thrive in collaboration with others on the premise of mutual trust and vulnerability. What’s tended to happen from occasion to occasion is that a relationship will start very hot in terms of that trust and then over time things cool, the distance widens, incidents place a wedge that is more or less accepted and that capacity for trust and vulnerability evaporates. In its place is a warm, well-meaning cordiality of little substance.
I know that God created us for something more and somehting better. I know that God is able to change us and the dynamic of our relationships so that with Jesus at the centre and the Holy Spirit at work in our lives we can create that environment of mutual trust and vulnerability. I know that not just from reading and wishing. I know that likewise from experience with saints where that has happened and it’s not a matter of therapy and relief, it’s a matter of supporting and building and then growing in knowing Jesus for real in deed and in truth as well as in word and sentiment.
This is something to cherish and something that’s an integral part of what Jesus means by the church He’s building, the Body functioning on His behalf and the bride He’s returning for and cleansing and adorning in readiness.
I am grateful that God allows these relationships to exist and gives the opportunity for them to flourish and thrive even during tough times – sometimes especially during tough times. It’s a reflection of the Living Hope that brings us together and unites us in the love of Christ.
It’s something I’m grateful for and look forward to growing and celebrating even more as time goes on.
(Photo by Joseph Chan on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 