I have a meme that says, “Not one scar on my heart came from an enemy.” Some versions of the quote include the line, “they all came from people who ‘love’ me.” There are multiple variations and numerous possible sources, although none appear credible.

While we don’t know the exact source of this statement, the truth is real. The people who hurt us the most are the ones who claimed to care about us, or who we certainly loved. That is precisely why we got hurt; we opened ourselves up and became vulnerable, and they took advantage of us or honestly didn’t care.

I know this is true for me, and I bet it is true for you, too.

With this insight, we have two choices. We can stop opening ourselves up and being vulnerable. Or we could continue to put ourselves at risk. You can cut yourself off and never allow yourself the possibility of being hurt. Or you can keep putting yourself out there. We can let our hearts grow calloused and hard, or we can remain soft and open.

The choice is yours between numbness and the possibility of pain. You must be aware that when we continue to be vulnerable with people, there is also the opportunity for love. One challenge for everyone, especially followers of Jesus, is to keep a soft heart, a forgiving mindset, and a willingness to let people into your life, no matter how many times you have been hurt.

I am not saying it is easy; I am telling you that you will probably get hurt again, but a willingness to accept the possibility of pain is also the doorway to joy, love, and community.

Keep putting yourself out there; it is worth the risk.