2 Corinthians 7:2-4

2 Corinthians 7:2-4

Open your heart to us.  We did wrong to no one.  We caused harm to no one.  We exploited no one.  I do not say this for condemnation, for I have said earlier that you all are in our hearts to die together and to live together.  My confidence is great for you all; my boasting is great for you all.  I have been filled by encouragement.  Joy has been abundant in all our affliction. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul uses the imperative tense to tell the Corinthians to open their hearts to him and his associates.  He tells them that they did no wrong, caused no harm, exploited no one.  There is no reason to not be open to Paul – even if he has left and gone on to plant and support other churches.  What this goes to show is that our reputation often fades fairly quickly.  Remember that the issue with Corinth is that after Paul left there were others who came into the church and started creating division.  Human beings tend to follow the current train of thinking without remembering what worked in the past.  Paul is reminding them to continue to trust him as they had trusted him when he was in Corinth with them.

Why do human beings tend to go from one position to another?  What does it take for us to stay firm and loyal in the midst of a world that is always changing around us?

Second Thought:

What is neat, though, is that Paul never stops loving them.  Even when false teachers come among the Corinthians and lead people away from his teaching, he still loves him.  Even when division comes in their midst, he still loves them.  Paul’s love is not fickle.  Paul doesn’t need people to love him to love them back.  What an inspirational leadership quality!

Do you love those who love you?  What does Jesus says about those who only love those who love them back?  What does Jesus say about loving those who hate you, persecute you, or otherwise treat you poorly?

Third Thought:

The last expression from Paul really haunts me.  Joy has been abundant in all affliction.  Do you know how hard that is?  The last two weeks I have been dealing with incredible back pain.  It has affected every dimension of my life.  In the midst of this, these words of Paul – and similar words from Jesus and all of His disciples have haunted me.  When I am in pain, I still need to give glory to the Lord.  It has been difficult to not be angry at God during this pain, but I have tried to remember to thank Him and praise Him in my moments of relief and joy.  And I’m only dealing with a little back pain!  How difficult it must have been for Paul to deal with beatings, imprisonments, and rejection!  And yet he still praised God.  What an inspiration!

Why is it inspiring when we see people in affliction continue to trust and praise God?  How can that be inspirational for us?  How does this point to us and how we need to praise God in all circumstances?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 7:5-9