1246) For the last several months, I have been working on redefining myself and one of these areas of improvement is to increase my courage to be vulnerable. Why, you may ask?

Some feel we have turned into a society that loves to air their dirty laundry, revealing too much information that may be best kept to ourselves. I agree, but the vulnerability I am referring to is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:14. The word disheartened, as used in some versions of this verse, is better translated, “little courage.” This word courage used to mean “to speak one’s heart,” rather than emphasizing some heroic action in the face of danger.

Paul tells us here that we are to encourage the “disheartened” and one way to do this is by choosing to be vulnerable with others. If done properly, sharing your heart with others reveals they are not the only ones who struggle. It also models the benefit of vulnerability so those on the receiving end can turn it around and share this gift with others.

Sometimes it feels so good to know others struggle too and that we are not alone. This can give us the strength to continue putting one foot in front of the other. What a valuable gift. Do you dare to encourage others in this manner?