Who are you?

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to counsel someone from the Cornerstone body. They were having some relationship struggles. I asked them if they attend a small group. They said yes. I asked “how has your small group stepped up to help you with this?” The answer disappointed me. The response was, “I could never discuss this stuff with my small group” I asked “why?” The answer was “It is too personal and the reactions it would cause in some of the other people involved would be hard to deal with. Some of it has to deal with relationships within the group and with people at Cornerstone.”

I asked “Isn’t that one of the purposes of small group.” The answer was “I guess.”

I am here to tell you, the answer is not “I guess.” The answer is YES.

We use words like community and fellowship when we talk about our small groups and church family, but what does that mean? I think what it means is pursuing authentic relationships with the people in this life. When you walk in here on a Wednesday night and someone asks you “How are you?” Do you give an honest answer or a guarded one? Do you leave your needs at home or in the car? If so, why?

I grew up going to a church were men dressed in a coat and tie and women in a skirt. It was our “Sunday best.” We put our best image forward, regardless of the struggles that were going on beneath the surface. The question we need to explore is “Do you show up on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s in your “Sunday Best” or are you using those moments as the tool that God has provided to you.” You have an opportunity to step out in faith that God lead you to this place not by accident. He has surrounded you with the people He knew could help to foster your relationship with Him. That is ultimately why we come together - group member disciplining group member - iron sharpening iron -Loving one another as He love as He loves us. These acts of obedience leading us into a deeper intimacy with God.

Scripture instructs us -

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective James 5:16

It also assures us-

“I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another Romans 15:14

To me these words sound like a recipe for small group. Confess your sins – share the real you. Expose the person the that only you and Jesus know, and when one us takes that step of faith the rest of us need to be ready for action. Just as God has timed the baring of that person’s soul, He has put you next to them as part of His plan for both of your lives. He will use it to not only strengthen your testimony, but the testimony of the rest of the group. Equipping us to go out into the world.

I read this about a year ago and it had a major impact on how I view the world-

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tsu

I think allowing youself you be loved also requires courage.