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“The more we open ourselves up, the more vulnerable we are. The more exposed we are, the more it hurts. The more we let someone in, the greater the risk.” – Rob Bell (Sex God)

What is true of relationships – is true of community.

There is always potential to be hurt.

Especially when you pour all of yourself into it.

 
Is it worth it?

 

 Really, let’s talk about this for a minute. Whether in relationships or the broader sense of community. Is it worth it?

Is it worth it to put your heart on the line? To let people see into the depths of who you are……..even into the darker, less talked about places?

Is it worth it to invest time, thoughts and energy into something that could hurt you so badly?

If you want something out of community – you are going to have to be more open then you ever have before.

And lets face it…….the more you open yourself up. The more you give of yourself. The deeper you go.

 

The bigger the potential for heartbreaking hurt.

 

Some of you know what I’m talking about. In fact, anyone who has ever dated or been in a deep friendship knows what I’m talking about. Is there any hurt like it in the world? A lot of times, the feelings after someone close to us has hurt us, can not even be expressed in words but tears only.

Think of a time someone has hurt you that way.

And while the memory is fresh…..

I’ll ask the question again.

Is it worth it? (Or better yet: was it worth it?)

 

I was five weeks into the trip when I wrote this.

 
 
 

Let me paint the picture for you:

Worship is playing in the background as you watch other team members get on their knees in the dirt to wash each other’s feet. Someone gets on their knees in front of you and asks you, “Can I wash your feet?” They proceed to take your smelly, dirty feet and tenderly wash away all the dirt before drying them off with a towel.

The whole time this is going on, all you can think about is how just 30 minutes earlier there was a disagreement so sharp between the whole team that it had the potential to separate your community for good. The tension so thick and the walls so high that only by the power and grace of Jesus could people in the circle walk away in peace let alone with a deeper love for each other.

Yet here you are getting your feet washed while you watch people who were just disagreeing washing each other’s feet. And in the end the community walks away stronger and with a deeper love for each other.

                        This is the community I am a part of right now. And honestly it’s so beautiful sometimes that it makes me want to cry tears of joy and so difficult sometimes that it makes me want to cry tears of frustration. But it is the community of Christians that I have always dreamed was possible.

 

Can you see the romance in my words?

I was falling in love with community.
 
Over the next 7 months, I fell even deeper in love with this Christian community called The World Race.

 

 The worship. Being around others that are in love with Jesus Christ. People that will pray with you and pick you up when you are down. Consistent encouragement. Doing ministry together. People to share your heart with.

Honestly, Christian community truly lived out is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

And on this World Race…. I’ve been open. I’ve been vulnerable. I’ve entered into deep relationships.

And you guessed it.
 
I’ve been hurt. Badly.

 
I was especially hurt a few weeks ago. And in the midst of all the brokenness, hurt and confusion I found myself questioning everything about this World Race community I’ve been involved with these past 9 months.

I was hurt and wanted to pull back from everyone.

And when I needed Him the most, Jesus redeemed my hope in Christian community.

He reminded me……..

Of everything we have been through this year.

 

Of the beauty of each individual person.

 

Of the grace we all need to give and have given to us.

 

That I can’t (and don’t want to) do it alone.

 

In fact, Jesus has done this for me all year. Every time proving to me He was serious when He prayed in John 17 “that all of them may be one” and later “so that they may be brought to complete unity.” Also taking me back to that beautiful passage at the end of Acts 2 where we get a glimpse of the community of the early church.

 

So, is it worth it?

 

I’ve seen the some of the best and worst community has to offer.

I’ve been blessed by it……….I’ve been hurt by it.

And my conclusion is.

 

Not only is it worth it. It’s necessary.

 

I don’t know where you are at in life. I don’t know if you are one of the many people that have been hurt by the “church”. Or by some Christian friends not acting like Jesus.

But I leave you with this encouragement.

Don’t give up on community.

It’s worth giving your life to.

 

(Editor’s Note: I realize there are about 11 people from the squad missing in this picture. But its the only I had. Give me a darn break!)