Embracing Support In The Body Of Christ

By:          Charles Itseghosimhe

Download Lesson

INTRODUCTION

There is a growing and concerning trend within the body of Christ. This trend touches on vulnerability which is so essential to our Christian walk: community and mutual support.

Christian vulnerability refers to the willingness to be open, honest, and transparent about one’s struggles, weaknesses, and imperfections, trusting in God’s grace and the support of the Christian community.

It is evident that there are many among us who are quick to reach out to others when they see distress or signs of spiritual struggle, offering empathy, prayer, counsel, and support. However, the same individuals may find it difficult, or even impossible, to receive the same love and support when they themselves are the ones struggling.

Why is that? Why do we, as believers, sometimes feel the need to hide our vulnerabilities from one another? Why do we feel that we have to carry our burdens alone?

The Word of God has so much to say about this, that we can learn valuable lessons from both scripture and our experiences to help us foster a more genuine, loving, and supportive community in Christ. 

THE CHRISTIAN CALL TO VULNERABILITY

SCENARIO

Consider Laba, a brother who has always been the first to encourage others in the church.

When a Christian brother is struggling with addiction, Laba is the one who steps in, offering support and prayer. But when Laba himself struggles with his own addiction in secret, he hesitates to reach out.

He feels embarrassed and fears that his struggles will cause others to think he’s less of a Christian.

Eventually, he isolates himself, refusing to let anyone in on his battle, thinking he should be strong enough to overcome it on his own. 

LESSON DRAWN

Consider the powerful example set by Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, though fully divine, was also fully human.

He experienced the full range of human emotions and vulnerabilities, yet He chose to be transparent and open about His needs.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest, we see Jesus in deep distress, vulnerable and open about His emotions:

Then He said to them, “my Soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”  (Matthew 26:38, NKJV)

Jesus openly showed His vulnerability, even in His most difficult moments. He didn’t hide His pain or suppress His emotions. He acknowledged His vulnerability and invited His closest disciples to stand with Him in His moment of need, and in His distress.

Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.  Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? (Matthew 26:40, 43, 45 NKJV)

1. Jesus, the Son of God, understood the importance of leaning on others during moments of weakness, and He showed us that it is not only okay to be vulnerable, but it is necessary.

2. Jesus’ and Laba’s experiences teaches us that being open about our struggles does not make us weak, but rather opens the door for God’s strength and the support of our brothers and sisters.

Yes, after Jesus expressed His deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Bible tells us “Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.”   (Luke 22:43, NKJV).

Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 

THE DANGER OF ISOLATION

In the church today, there is a growing tendency for Christians to isolate themselves when they are going through difficult times.

Many Christians are quick to give, to offer prayers, to lend a listening ear, or to offer counsel to other Christians.

But when the roles are reversed, and we find ourselves in a difficult season, they shut down.

We become defensive when someone asks about our well-being, irritated when others inquire why we missed service, or uncomfortable when someone offers to pray for us or render financial counsel or assistance.

Why is that? Why do we, as the people of God, feel the need to pretend that everything is fine when it is not?

SCENARIO

Masaco, a Christian sister is always known for her generous heart. She’s the first to show up to help organize church events or to lend a listening ear to anyone in need.

However, when her marriage, business or faith goes through a rough patch, she hides the pain. She withdraws from her close Christian friends and isolates herself, thinking that nobody could possibly understand what she’s going through.

Eventually, Masaco begins to feel alienated and wonders why she feels so alone, even in the church community. 

LESSON DRAWN

1. When Masaco chose isolation, she unknowingly gave the enemy a foothold. Isolation is a breeding ground for doubt, fear, and discouragement.
2. When we isolate ourselves, we are not only denying others the opportunity to help us, but we are also denying ourselves the support and encouragement that we need.
3. The Bible reminds us that we are stronger together, and isolating ourselves only deepens our struggles. God designed us for community, and in times of difficulty, we should lean into that community for support and encouragement. 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”                                        Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 [NKJV]

4. Our enemy [the devil] knows that isolation is his playground. It is when we are alone and vulnerable that he can attack us the hardest. 

“Be sober [of sober mind], be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 [NKJV]

THE CHURCH AS A PLACE OF MUTUAL SUPPORT 

We are not called to be islands. We are the body of Christ, and just like our physical bodies, each part is essential and interdependent on the others.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:26: “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” [NKJV]

This is the beautiful truth of the Christian community: we are meant to carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2 [NKJV]).

Just as we would not leave a wounded part of our body unattended, we should not leave our brothers and sisters in Christ struggling alone. When one member of the body is suffering, we all suffer. When one is rejoicing, we all rejoice.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 [NKJV].

SCENARIO 1

Think about the early church. In Acts 4:32-35, the Christian demonstrated an extraordinary level of community support. They sold their possessions and shared everything they had, ensuring that no one among them was in need.

Imagine how powerful that must have been! There was no shame in vulnerability, no hiding of struggles. They shared openly, cared deeply for one another, and understood that they were all part of the same family.

Imagine if we lived in such a way today—where we could be open about our challenges, our fears, and our weaknesses, knowing that our brothers and sisters in Christ would surround us with love, support, and prayer.

SCENARIO 2 

Lesanga is a young Christian father who has always been diligent in his service to the church, never asking for help. He’s known for his leadership in various ministry areas.

However, when he faces an unexpected financial crisis, he keeps it to himself. The pressure builds, and eventually, it starts affecting his ability to lead effectively.

One day, his wife, a Christian sister, confides in the church leadership about their struggle. The church community steps in, offering prayer, financial assistance, and practical help.

Lesanga is humbled by the support and realizes that the church body is meant to be a refuge, not just a place of ministry but a place of healing and care for one another. 

LESSON DRAWN 

1. The church should be a community where burdens are shared, not hidden.
2. Lesanga’s story shows us that when we open ourselves to others, it allows the church to be the hands and feet of Jesus, not just in serving outside the community, but in caring for each other inside the body. 

A CALL TO HUMILITY AND OPENNESS 

The truth is, none of us are invincible. We all have our weaknesses, our struggles, our times of doubt. It’s part of being human. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes:

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul learned that it was in his weakness that the power of God was most evident. In our times of vulnerability, God’s strength is made perfect.

SCENARIO

Samantha is a successful Christian businesswoman with a visible role in the church. She is often sought after for her wisdom and advice, but deep down, she’s struggling with feelings of inadequacy and overwhelming stress.

She believes that, as a leader, she shouldn’t show weakness, but over time, the pressure weighs her down.

Eventually, she confides in a fellow Christian sister who encourages her to let go of the need for perfection and to embrace God’s grace.

By being open about her vulnerability, Samantha finds strength in God’s grace and is better equipped to lead with humility and authenticity. 

LESSON DRAWN 

1. Humility is key when it comes to vulnerability.
2. In Samantha’s case, learning to embrace her weaknesses led to spiritual growth and the ability to lead in a more compassionate way.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 [NKJV] 

We are reminded that God’s power is perfected in our weaknesses—when we stop trying to appear invincible, we open the door to God’s strength. 

THE INVITATION TO RECEIVE HELP 

Let us encourage ourselves, brothers and sisters, that it is okay to need help. It is okay to admit that we are struggling. It is okay to say, “we don’t have it all together.”

In fact, it is in those moments of vulnerability that God’s power can shine the brightest. But in order to experience that power, we must be willing to receive help and support from the community that God has placed around us.

SCENARIO

Mafiaro, a Christian brother in the church, has always prided himself on being independent and self-sufficient. He’s the one others turn to when they need help, but when Mafario’s mother falls seriously ill, he feels overwhelmed by the emotional and financial burden.

He tries to handle everything on his own, but the stress takes a toll on his health and his relationship with God.

One day, after a particularly difficult day, Kevin finally opens up to his small group, [Whether it’s the youth group, women’s group, welfare committee, orphanage ministry, hospital ministry, aged group, or men’s group] allowing them to pray for him and support him.

The group provides not only spiritual encouragement but also practical assistance during this difficult time.

Mafario realizes that by receiving help, he not only shared his burden but also allowed God’s power to work through others.

LESSON DRAWN

1. Mafiaro’s journey shows us that vulnerability is not just about sharing our struggles; it’s also about receiving the love and support that God offers through others.
2. Receiving help is an important part of healing, and it’s a reminder that God works through His people to provide comfort and strength.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 [NKJV]

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 [NKJV]

CONCLUSION 

These life scenarios help to illuminate the real-life impact of embracing vulnerability in the body of Christ.

Vulnerability, in this context, is a gateway to healing, support, and growth. As we allow ourselves to be open with others and invite them to bear our burdens, we align with God’s design for community—where every member of the body is essential, interdependent, and cared for.

Let us be willing to be vulnerable and admit when we need help, knowing that it is through our weaknesses that God’s strength is revealed.

May we be a church where no one feels the need to hide their struggles, a church where we can truly love and support one another through every season of life.

Our prayer is for us to love one another, bear one another’s burdens, and be vulnerable in the Christ’ strength in Jesus Name – Amen.

Download Lesson