–Thomas Brooks, (italics his)
Edward T. Welch begins his book with an amazing sentence, “Your neediness qualifies you to help others.”[1] When you reveal your brokenness to others, it not only serves to bring healing into your own life but it also gives permission to those listening to share what burdens them. Others will seek help when you model for them what it means to be vulnerable. This might sound like a counseling technique or worse yet, a form of manipulation, but it is not. The call to live in a state of humility and brokenness is at the heart of the Christian life. The author of Hebrews notes, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” (Heb. 10:24-25) We encourage one another when we live honestly and openly about our struggles, victories and concerns.
Where does this take place? It takes place in one-on-one encounters or in the intimate setting of a small group. It is with a small, trusted group of fellow believers that a person should feel safe enough to share some of what burdens them. Edward Welch laments, “We spend too much time concealing our neediness. We need to stop hiding. Being needy is our basic condition. There is no shame in it—it’s just the way it is.”[2] The church, gathering together locally, is God’s idea on how best to bring healing and facilitate growth in believers. The apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel…” (Phil. 1:27) How are believers to live a manner of life worthy of the gospel? Certainly, one of the keys is in “striving side by side.” A great place to strive side by side is in a small group. I want to encourage every member and attender at The Road to join a small group. If you have any questions about times or locations, please see Pastor Charles or Pastor Dale. Have a blessed week and we will see you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale