Jordan Cooper quotes from Henri Nouwen (one of my favorite authors) on creating intimacy and community (one of my favorite topics:
But whether through distance or closeness, fear prevents us from forming an intimate community in which we can grow together, everyone in his or her own way. When fear separates or joins us, we can no longer confess to each other our sins, our brokeness, and our wounds….
But when we are willing to confess both to ourselves and the other that we too are broken, that we too have a handicap, and that we too need a place to grow, we can build a home together and offer each other an intimate place.
I love living in the context of Christian community with brothers and sisters who share this kind of vision of intimacy…
Comments
One response to “Henri Nouwen On Creating Intimacy”
Amen. The real issue is breaking down the walls that most Christians have built. Our current Church culture has said “everybody open up”. But the reality is that many are shunned when they do. This fear of being given the cold shoulder, prevents true openness.
Our calling must be one of love. When people feel valued and loved they feel safe. Look at all the people that opened up to Jesus. Many of them had culturally negative lifestyles, but they felt safe with Jesus, they felt loved.