The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. GENESIS 3:6,7 NLT

We are made in the image of a God who wants to be known

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you? He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” GENESIS 3:8-10 NLT

We miss out on meaningful relationships when we withhold ourselves from others

The way forward is through vulnerability

They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” MARK 14:32-34 NLT

Vulnerability:

– Deepens relationships

– Must be with the right people

– Must be horizontal and vertical

Vulnerability places the real you at the table

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. When was the first time you can remember hiding something you did wrong and what was your reason for hiding it?
2. Read Genesis 3:6-10. According to this passage, what motivated Adam and Eve to hide who they were and what they did from God? How closely do their reasons resemble your current approach to God or others after you mess up?
3. What connection do you see between hiding the real you from others and being lonely in a culture that has never been more “connected?”
4. Read Mark 14:32-34. In what ways do you see Jesus set the Christian example in how to be vulnerable and simultaneously show us wisdom in whom to be vulnerable with?
5. What are some of the things we miss out on when we aren’t vulnerable with others? In spite of these consequences, what still holds you back from being vulnerable and sharing all of who you are?
6. What could we do to make sure this group is a safe place for you to share all of who you really are?

Personal Reflection Guide

Set aside a few minutes to still yourself before God, removing distractions, to go a bit deeper with the message you heard this week. As you do, invite God unto the process. Remind yourself that although nothing from your life is hidden from him, he loves you deeply. Take an honest view of the areas in you life that you keep hidden. Hiding is often attached to shame and shame isolates us because we don’t want that thing we are ashamed of to be exposed by the light. Fear also sends us into hiding. What role do fear and shame play in your choices to hide? Ask God today to give you the courage and strength to say no to the easier route of hiding. Although hiding might be easier and feel safer, in reality it is robbing you of the freedom God wants you to experience and the community he has for you to be able to grow and flourish. Is there anything you need to confess to God or to someone in your life today? The first step is the hardest – the decision to bring to light that which is hidden in the dark. Thank God for your time together, and ask him to give you the strength and courage this week to come out of hiding, with the understanding that true freedom is found in the process.