The Radical Act of Being Vulnerable: Loving Like Jesus

There are times in life—and in missionary work, I’ve learned this firsthand—when the natural instinct is to build walls. We armor up. We perfect our testimonies, we memorize our talks, we plan every single interaction down to the minute. It feels safer that way, right? Like we can control the outcome by being perfectly prepared.

But what if the very thing that makes us feel safe—our control—is what keeps us from truly connecting? What if the most powerful missionary tool we possess isn't a perfect lesson plan, but the willingness to be utterly, beautifully vulnerable?

I was recently listening to a message that really struck a chord, especially as I think about what it means to be an internet missionary today. The speaker talked about vulnerability, and it hit me because it’s such a counter-cultural concept in a culture that prizes strength and self-sufficiency. We are taught to be resilient, to patch up every perceived weakness, but sometimes, to truly move the Spirit, we have to let the cracks show.

The Risk of Openness

The message highlighted that vulnerability is inherently risky. When you declare your love for someone—whether it’s your spouse, a friend, or the Savior—you run the risk of rejection. It’s terrifying! In our modern world, we are always looking for the system patch, the vulnerability we need to fix. But the gospel asks us to embrace the vulnerability of the heart.

Think about it: when we are vulnerable with our covenants, with our families, we give others the chance to help us see the parts of ourselves we can’t see alone. It’s in that shared, unguarded space that real discipleship happens. It’s where the Spirit whispers the truth that helps us become more Christlike.

Jesus: The Ultimate Vulnerability

The most profound example, of course, is Jesus Christ. He was God, yet He risked everything. He didn't have a guarantee that we would accept the gospel; in fact, the record shows He knew we could reject Him. Yet, for love, He laid down His life while we were still sinners. That act wasn't based on our perfect behavior; it was pure, vulnerable, sacrificial love. It’s the ultimate demonstration of the gospel in action.

This challenge—to be vulnerable—doesn't just apply to our marriages or our friendships. It applies to our relationship with God, and it applies to our efforts in the field.

Where Can We Be Vulnerable Today?

As we strive to be rogue disciples, we often feel the pressure to *perform* our faith. We worry if our testimony is strong enough, if our questions are sharp enough. But today, let's try to pivot that focus. Where can we practice radical trust?

1. With God: Trust Him blindly. He will not disappoint us. This is the foundation of everything.
2. With Our Companions/Investigators: Don't try to have all the answers. Instead, ask the deep, honest questions that show you are wrestling with the material alongside them. Let your sincere curiosity be your strength.
3. With Our Community: Be willing to admit when you don't know something. That admission is often the doorway to deeper learning, whether it’s in a Book Club or a Bible Study.

Being vulnerable means opening up the sacred space of the heart, trusting that the love of the Savior is greater than any potential rejection or difficulty.

I encourage you to take this principle—to love like Jesus—and apply it this week. In what field, and with whom, can you choose to be vulnerable today?

If you want to dig deeper into applying these principles, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on covenant keeping. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your personal study, check out the latest material on Isaiah studies in LivingBook. And if you want to walk through some tough questions from a missionary discussion, remember that Davee is always ready to help you practice with the AI Investigator role!

What field are you choosing to be vulnerable in this week? Share it below!