2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

PRAYER

Lord God, make me brave. Teach me to be a person who chooses love over law when it comes to knowing others. And to risk the exposure of being truly known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Devotions

I think one of the greatest human desires is to be known. Fully known in spite of our faults. The kind of known that penetrates our deepest insecurities and satisfies our craving for authentic connection. But to unveil and step out of our emotionally compartmentalized lives begs an uncommon kind of bravery. 

The veil is iconic and has a long history. But in its most basic form and function, the veil is used to cover and conceal something or someone.

Our scripture verse is a picture of intimacy. By removing the veil from that which is hidden, we reflect God’s glory deep within our soul. But to do so, we must risk exposure.

Truth is, flesh will always fail. People hurt people, knowingly and unknowingly. We can even feel like God fails us at times. So why take the risk?

We take the risk because it’s in the free-fall of transparency where freedom is found, connection is conceived, and authentic relationship is born. But to achieve this level of intimacy, we must unveil. 

Exposing yourself is vulnerable and may be a struggle for you. It is for most of us. We are careful, aren’t we? Quick to be judge and jury in a matter where someone has personally violated our trust. We throw rocks instead of turning the other cheek.

Even so, we live in a world where broken people are all we have to work with. So how do we guard our heart and give it away at the same time (Proverbs 4:23)?

The answer lies in our source of confidence. A hierarchy of honor. Our confidence to be transparent must first be experienced with Christ before offering it to others. This posture protects us, and at the same time fosters the type of freedom needed to invest in less than perfect people.

Easier said than done, especially in a world where access to connect with others is at an all-time high, and our ability to engage in authentic relationship is at an all-time low. We feel known but have adopted the social-emotional skill of playing it safe—only revealing that which has been carefully crafted for tweeting, texting, or posting.

Let’s face it, we are very complicated beings, full of emotional baggage. We intend to go one way, yet react another. And this can be hurtful and confusing. Yet, the greatest love stories, the deepest friendships, and the tightest family bonds are formed with threads of intimacy. It’s the principle of love over law (Romans 13:10), and Christ is our standard and source of inspiration.

This approach to intimacy is not for the shallow end of relationship with God or man. It will require a deep dive into water that often feels unsafe and over our head. Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that every relationship will not warrant this kind of depth. But those that do will require a risky investment of exposure.

The unveiled face simply means allowing all pretense to fall away. Everything that impedes God’s glory from being reflected. Perhaps it’s time to risk exposure. To choose love over law. And to unveil and be known.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed. Be brave. Be known.

July 22, 2019

Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 3:18; “But we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

I think one of the greatest human desires is to be known. Fully known in spite of our faults. The kind of known that penetrates our deepest insecurities and satisfies our craving for authentic connection. But to unveil and step out of our emotionally compartmentalized lives begs an uncommon kind of bravery. 

The veil is iconic and has a long history. But in its most basic form and function, the veil is used to cover and conceal something or someone.

Our scripture verse is a picture of intimacy. By removing the veil from that which is hidden, we reflect God’s glory deep within our soul. But to do so, we must risk exposure.

Truth is, flesh will always fail. People hurt people, knowingly and unknowingly. We can even feel like God fails us at times. So why take the risk?

We take the risk because it’s in the free-fall of transparency where freedom is found, connection is conceived, and authentic relationship is born. But to achieve this level of intimacy, we must unveil. 

Exposing yourself is vulnerable and may be a struggle for you. It is for most of us. We are careful, aren’t we? Quick to be judge and jury in a matter where someone has personally violated our trust. We throw rocks instead of turning the other cheek.

Even so, we live in a world where broken people are all we have to work with. So how do we guard our heart and give it away at the same time (Proverbs 4:23)?

The answer lies in our source of confidence. A hierarchy of honor. Our confidence to be transparent must first be experienced with Christ before offering it to others. This posture protects us, and at the same time fosters the type of freedom needed to invest in less than perfect people.

Easier said than done, especially in a world where access to connect with others is at an all-time high, and our ability to engage in authentic relationship is at an all-time low. We feel known but have adopted the social-emotional skill of playing it safe—only revealing that which has been carefully crafted for tweeting, texting, or posting.

Let’s face it, we are very complicated beings, full of emotional baggage. We intend to go one way, yet react another. And this can be hurtful and confusing. Yet, the greatest love stories, the deepest friendships, and the tightest family bonds are formed with threads of intimacy. It’s the principle of love over law (Romans 13:10), and Christ is our standard and source of inspiration.

This approach to intimacy is not for the shallow end of relationship with God or man. It will require a deep dive into water that often feels unsafe and over our head. Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that every relationship will not warrant this kind of depth. But those that do will require a risky investment of exposure.

The unveiled face simply means allowing all pretense to fall away. Everything that impedes God’s glory from being reflected. Perhaps it’s time to risk exposure. To choose love over law. And to unveil and be known.

Prayer: Lord God, make me brave. Teach me to be a person who chooses love over law when it comes to knowing others. And to risk the exposure of being truly known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Help me in congratulating Shekia and Autumn on graduating from the MomsHope program this weekend. We are so proud of you!

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed. Be brave. Be known.

Dori