Vulnerability has been defined as the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, physically, emotionally, socially, environmentally or economically. One can end up in vulnerable situations by default or by choice. In essence, vulnerability has to do with risk. When you make yourself vulnerable you are placing yourself at risk; the risk of being rejected, the risk of being misunderstood, and the risk of being harmed emotionally, economically or physically. This is why many people avoid this state. Our behaviour is often influenced by the avoidance of specific emotional states that bring discomfort. Sadly, when we fail to make ourselves vulnerable, we also miss out on some of the greatest blessings of human relations. Someone once said that vulnerability opens us up for both wounding and pleasure. I believe that one of the biggest hindrances to activating authentic community is the failure to make ourselves vulnerable. What many have failed to realise is this: You cannot build emotional intimacy with another human being without some degree of vulnerability. Emotional intimacy is built one conversation at a time and in each conversation we can make a choice with regards to the degree of vulnerability. Emotional intimacy is a core pillar of relational trust which is a foundation of authentic community. In this message I will present a portrait of vulnerability with particular focus on the life of Christ. I will highlight some of the barriers to vulnerability and also unpack the consequences of the lack of vulnerability and some benefits of vulnerability. It is important for me to highlight that there are different types of vulnerability; physical, economic, environmental and social. For the purpose of this message our focus will be on psycho-social vulnerability. Embracing vulnerability is synonymous with maturity.
