Showing your weakness is easier said than done
2 Corinthians 12:9-10:
"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That is why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Many times, you have heard advice suggesting that the key to building a connection with someone new is to show your weakness and be your true self. People claim that others will accept you for who you are. Yet, laying down your weaknesses, even to someone you have been close with for years, is easier said than done.
What if, by sharing your weakness, you end up disgusting them? What if they perceive you differently and not in a positive light? What if your revelation pushes them away instead of bringing you closer? These what-if questions may flood your mind, creating a barrier between you and the possibility of a true connection.
In such situations, the inclination to keep putting up a strong front, pretending to be someone else, might seem preferable.
However, try to find inspiration from the Apostle Paul.
In the verses of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul is highlighting a counterintuitive truth. Instead of concealing his shortcomings or pretending to be strong, he finds a peculiar joy in acknowledging his limitations and vulnerabilities. This acknowledgment, in Paul's understanding, is not a sign of defeat but rather a key to unlocking the transformative power of Christ.
By openly admitting his weaknesses, Paul recognizes his dependence on God's grace and acknowledges that his own strength is insufficient. In doing so, he creates space for Christ's power to work within him.
In recognizing the importance of revealing your weaknesses in relationships, you might initially feel uneasy. It is a natural response to worry about being judged or rejected.
However, Paul's understanding suggests that this very act of vulnerability can deepen connections.
This vulnerability fosters a sense of trust in relationships. When you share your weaknesses, you are essentially saying, "I trust you with my imperfections." In turn, this openness can encourage reciprocity, as others may be more willing to share their own struggles and vulnerabilities.
Moreover, the transformative power of Christ that Paul speaks of comes into play. When you acknowledge your weaknesses, you invite the influence of a higher power into your relationships.
You do not have to expose everything at once. You can take it one step at a time, proceeding at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Taking this approach allows you to gauge the reactions and responses of others as you gradually reveal aspects of your true self. It is a method that enables you to build trust gradually, ensuring that you feel secure in each step of the process.
This measured approach ensures that you feel empowered and in command of your journey toward authenticity.
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Why it is fine to say, "I don’t know what to do with my life anymore"
