All over the world, people try to hide their sins, weaknesses, or flaws. It is natural to want to do this because people fear they will be rejected by those around them. It is natural to want to feel accepted and loved. So people in general do not disclose the bad stuff. Even those in the most intimate of relationships will conceal things from their mates to avoid rejection or judgement. It's just natural to do this. People hate rejection.
Unfortunately, this has crept into the Church also. People go to church or hang out with other Christians, and a lot of times put on a front or act like everything is great when it's not. They stay at arms length emotionally and wear a mask of perfection or act like they have their act together. Everyone wants to act like they are putting their best foot forward and have no troubles. We all know this isn't true. They do this for the same reason any of us do it. Fear of rejection. Some call this "playing church." A lot of this mindset has crept into the Church.
The Word of God teaches differently, as God always shows what's best for us. He shows us how to be healthy and whole in all of our relationships.
Ephesians 4:25 NIV
[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
When we are vulnerable and don't hide anything we can help each other. God helps and comforts us in all our troubles. So by sharing this with others, they can have hope and trust that God will help them too.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
We can build each other up, we can pray for each other, we can have closer, stronger relationships when we confess our faults to one another. We can be healed by God when we are genuine with people.
James 5:13-16 NIV
[13] Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. [16] Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
We all need each other in the Church which is our heavenly family. We're all in this together. So let's build strong, honest relationships with each other. Let's confess our sins to each other, pray for each other so that God will heal us. Build each other up in the Lord. Be exposed. Be vulnerable. Be real!!
Love you all,
Jeffrey Post
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