One explanation of the word intimacy is “into-me-see.” For some people that is too close for comfort. We risk being hurt when we allow others into the innermost chambers of our heart. We tend to hold people at arms length, until it feels safe to disclose our vulnerability to the scrutiny of those in our inner circle.
It is a fact that everyone is not trustworthy. Intimacy is intimidating because most of us have been betrayed and deceived by someone we trusted. However, our sophisticated, complex defense system can also prevent us from sharing the closeness of intimate relationships with those who are loyal and reliable. Guard your heart, but don’t isolate yourself because of painful, past experiences. Never stop believing in people, but put your trust in God.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Friendship is birthed through relationship. Dreams are birthed through intimacy with God. Nothing is born without conception. Nothing is conceived without intimacy.
- Don’t be afraid of intimacy. Some people never develop friendship beyond a casual acquaintance because of the fear of rejection. The famous quote of Alford Lord Tennyson, “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all,” is advice that is worthy of remembrance.
- Study your personality profile and deal with your issues. Seek to understand the motive behind any actions that push people away and close the door to intimate relationships.
- Open your heart. Best friends do not just happen. You cannot have intimacy on any level without inviting others into your heart. Intimacy takes friendship and companionship to another level because it requires disclosure beyond the normal privacy parameter.
“Friends come and go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 (MSG)
