Happy Sabbath, friends! There’s a quiet ache that comes with being open in a world that values composure. When you speak from your heart – raw, real, unfiltered – not everyone knows what to do with it. Some pull away. Some misunderstand. And sometimes, their discomfort makes you question if being honest was a mistake.
But vulnerability, as uncomfortable as it can be, is the soil where grace grows. When we allow our hearts to be softened – like the “good soil” Jesus describes in Luke 8:15 – God’s love has room to take root and produce something beautiful in us.
I’ve always strived to be a vulnerable and open person, especially through writing, because I believe it brings a sense of relatability. When I read something that resonates with me, it reminds me I’m not alone. Yet, during difficult times, it’s easy to believe the lie that we’re the only ones feeling the way we do – I know I’ve believed that countless times.
Being vulnerable comes with risk. When we open up, it can hold up a mirror to others – especially if what we share touches something within them that they haven’t faced. Many people don’t like confronting their own pain, so our honesty can make them uncomfortable. That discomfort sometimes turns into judgment.
Each time I’ve chosen to be vulnerable, it’s often been met with misunderstanding or criticism. But it has also led to moments where people approached me in tears, telling me that my story made them feel seen and less alone. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Even Jesus had deeply vulnerable moments throughout Scripture. I’m sure some judged Him or viewed His openness as weakness, but with His vulnerability came relatability.
“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35 (NIV)
“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’”
Matthew 26:38 (NIV)
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42 (NIV)
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death… Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.”
Hebrews 5:7–8 (NIV)
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
One powerful story of vulnerability is Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. This moment shows both Jesus and the woman stepping into openness – and risking judgment because of their social and spiritual differences.
(John 4:6–26 NIV)
The story begins with the divide between Jews and Samaritans, highlighting how unusual it was for Jesus to even speak to her. Yet, despite cultural barriers and the potential for judgment, He engaged her with compassion.
Jesus revealed that He knew her story – her past, her pain, her truth. And instead of condemning her, He offered her living water – grace, renewal, and acceptance.
Because Jesus was willing to be vulnerable and authentic with her, she was drawn to know Him more. Isn’t that such a blessing?
If we applied this story to our own lives – choosing vulnerability even when judgment feels possible – imagine how many people would see Christ’s love flowing through us.
Being vulnerable is not weak – it’s brave. It’s rare. It’s powerful. Imagine what could happen if you stepped out of your comfort zone and shared your story? Forget the judgment – think of how many hearts could be touched, healed, or even saved because of your testimony.
That’s why testimonies are such a blessing: they are real, raw, and relatable. That’s how we show others the tremendous impact the Lord has made in our lives. Be real, and it will prove that God is real.
Jesus and Judas
Another story that reflects Jesus’ vulnerability is when He called out Judas for his upcoming betrayal.
“After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, ‘Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.’”
John 13:21 (NIV)
Jesus could have kept His hurt to Himself, but He didn’t. He shared His pain with those closest to Him. Was it uncomfortable? Absolutely. But true love speaks truth – even when it hurts.
Betrayal is painful, especially when it comes from someone we trusted. Yet Jesus modeled honesty in that moment. If the people around you truly care, they’ll want you to be real, raw, and vulnerable – even when it’s hard to hear.
Vulnerability Redeemed
Vulnerability and openness aren’t attention-seeking, gossip, or weakness. They are ways of processing hurt – and ways for God’s light to shine through the cracks.
If someone chooses to misuse your openness, that’s not your fault – the fault lies with the one who twisted your honesty into gossip.
When you are vulnerable, it not only helps you process your pain, but it also becomes a testimony of how our Heavenly Father has worked in your life. It reminds others they are not alone.
That’s why my mission statement for this website is rooted in this verse:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
Never be afraid to be vulnerable and share your story. You never know how many hearts might be healed, encouraged, or drawn closer to Jesus – just because you chose to be real.
Amen.
Saved By His Grace 
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