2 Corinthians 6:11-13

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

Our mouths have opened to you, Corinthians, our hearts have been made affectionate.  You are not being restricted in us, but you are being closed in your affections.  In the same exchange – as I speak to children – be made affectionate also.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul begins this passage by reminding the Corinthians that they spoke freely in their midst.  Paul and his associates talked openly about who they were.  They fielded question after question.  They taught regardless of pay or interest.  They were open in every regard.  This is what they saw in Christ’s disciples; this is what they see in Christ Himself.  As Christians we are called to be open.

When is it difficult to be open about our teaching?  How does confidence play into our ability to be open?

Second Thought:

Paul warns the Corinthians that they are being closed.  Paul does not restrict himself in being open to loving others.  But Paul recognizes that others are restricting themselves to loving him.  This is a common experience to the true disciple of Christ.  In fact, this should not surprise us at all!  After all, God loved the whole world enough to send His only Son.  But not all the world received Him.  In fact, the majority of people did not receive God’s Son.  The majority of the world rejected God’s Son.  God’s heart was open, but the heart of the world is often closed and restricted.  Paul warns the Corinthians to be careful in this regard.

Is your heart restricted in any way?  Are you open to receiving the ways of God?

Third Thought:

Much of these verses revolve around the expression “be made affectionate” (πλατύνω).  Literally this word means “to broaden.”  Paul is telling the Corinthians that the hearts of him and his companions have been expanded to include the Corinthians.  And that’s actually the really cool part of this passage.  In both occurrences of this word in these verses it is in the passive voice.  This means that Paul and his companions did not make their own hearts more affectionate, their hearts were made affectionate.  Paul and his companions had their hearts expanded by God in order to include the Corinthians.  God did the work to willing vessels.  At the end of this passage Paul calls upon the Corinthians to be willing to do the same thing.  Their hearts need to expand, too.

Has your heart expanded to include new people of faith?  Has your heart expanded to include new people coming into a newer understanding of faith?  How does this happen?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1