How often do we recognize our deep need for authenticity? It’s easy to confuse our identity in Christ with what people, social media, or the world says we should be. But inviting others into an authentic family gives us the chance to show who God created us to be and to reflect Him in all we do.

When we welcome others in, we’re reminded of our greater need for Jesus. We weren’t created to live life alone. Scripture calls us to encourage, love, forgive, and carry one another’s burdens... things no one can do in isolation. As we live this out, our relationship with God deepens, and so does our dependence on Him.

Even Jesus modeled this. He lived closely with His disciples, inviting them into the joyful, difficult, and painful moments of His ministry. They saw His miracles, His boldness, His suffering, His resurrection, and His ascension. If Jesus, our perfect example, let others walk with Him through both celebration and sorrow, why do we feel pressure to appear as if we have everything together?

In our world, it’s rare to see people honestly share what they’re facing. Yet we desperately need more believers who are willing to show their deep need for a Savior, a Savior who invites us into His salvation and His grace. Without that honesty, how can we truly encourage, love, forgive, and carry burdens for one another? We miss out on a sweet part of our relationship with Jesus when we refuse to invite others in.

PRAY

Ask God today how you can live differently from a world that strives to look “put together,” and step into the freedom He offers through His Word and His people. Spend time praying that God would help you to reflect His vulnerability and sacrifice rather than the world’s desire to look perfect.