Become New with John Ortberg 17. Why Love Always Feels Risky
Sep 16, 2025
Explore the messy and intricate nature of love and relationships. Discover how vulnerability can lead to transformative community and deeper spiritual connections. The discussion highlights Paul’s heartfelt correspondence, the trials of Epaphroditus, and the importance of embracing suffering together. Learn about Pascal’s insights on trust and the risks involved in loving others. Ultimately, find encouragement to face personal struggles while relying on God's unwavering love.
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Messy Love Reveals God
- Real love and spiritual life are messy and involve relational pain rather than calm detachment.
- John Ortberg argues that vulnerability in relationships is where we encounter God and grow spiritually.
Epaphroditus' Costly Service
- Paul describes Epaphroditus as homesick, greatly distressed, and nearly dead from sickness while serving Paul.
- Ortberg uses this passage to show real relationships produce anxiety and grief, not stoic calm.
Suffering Offered, Not Escaped
- Stoic-style emotional detachment seeks control to escape suffering, but Paul and Jesus offer a different path.
- Ortberg emphasizes suffering offered in love redeems pain because God suffers with us.
