...Authentic friendships are more than superficial, surface-level chit-chat. They involve genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes gut-level, sharing. These friendships develop when we get honest about who we are and what is happening in our lives. They develop when we share our hurts, reveal our feelings, confess our failures, disclose our doubts, admit our fears, acknowledge our weaknesses, and ask for help...
Unfortunately, this level of authenticity and intimacy is the exact opposite of what we find,... Instead of an atmosphere of honesty and humility, we often become involved in pretending, role-playing, politicking, superficial politeness, and shallow conversation. We begin to wear masks, keep our guard up, and act as if everything is rosy in our lives. These attitudes are the death of real friendship. It's only as we become open about our lives that we experience authentic fellowship. We tend to use darkness to hide our hurts, faults, fears, failures, and flaws. Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection, and being hurt again.
Why would anyone take such a risk? Because it's the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy... "Make this your common practice: Confess your {faults} to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed" (James 5:16 MSG). The Purpose Driven Connection Daily Devotional newsletter is produced by PurposeDriven.com.
