I have been on many journeys and faced the most extreme circumstances: perilous rivers, violent thieves, and threats by my own people and by the Gentile outsiders alike. I have faced dangers in the city, in the wilderness, and at sea; and danger from spies among our brothers and sisters. I have survived toil and hardships, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst without a crumb in sight, bare to the cold. As if these external trials weren’t enough, there is the daily stress I feel and anxiety I carry for all the churches under my care.

2 Corinthians 11:26-28 The Voice

Being open and vulnerable with others requires courage.

From a biblical perspective, vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength. In spite of the possibility of being taken advantage of or misunderstood, vulnerability is the ability to open your heart and share your deepest thoughts and feelings. This is why we cannot be vulnerable to just anyone. We need to find the right person—someone with whom we can be vulnerable, feel safe, and who will accept us for who we are right now.

Jesus chose vulnerability when He became one of us. His vulnerability connects us to His great love for us, even at the risk of potential rejection and persecution. Similarly, when we choose to be honest and vulnerable, we create a space where others can get to know and love us and where we can do the same for them.

Read 2 Corinthians 11 to learn how Paul allowed himself to be vulnerable for Christ. He was exposed to a wide range of challenges and experienced many difficult emotions. He did not hesitate to tell his readers how he felt because he knew that they would be there for him when he needed them.

Being open and vulnerable is a sign of self-acceptance. It involves letting people see the real you rather than hiding or trying to impress them by wearing a mask. You can learn to trust people and allow others to love and help you by letting down your guard.

Your mental and emotional health may benefit from being open and vulnerable because you won't feel as pressured to earn the approval and acceptance of others. If someone thinks you're not deserving of their friendship, let them have the freedom to feel however they want (even if it is unjustifiable or unfair). Just give yourself the freedom to move on and form healthy connections with new people.

Dare to be open and vulnerable. This is because you are most honest with yourself.

Don't let the toxicity of rejection and abandonment determine your worth and value. God accepts you and finds you acceptable. Follow Jesus' example by putting others' opinions and feelings aside. In the end, this helps you to be authentic and love genuinely without expecting anything in return. You also gain the courage to take risks without being afraid of looking foolish.