Monday, December 31, 2007

The Proper Response

2 Corinthians 6:11-13
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.
Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

This is almost a conclusion to five chapters of defense of Paul's ministry before the Corinthian believers (the remainder of this chapter should also be considered in the context of this defense - Paul was telling them not to be yoked with those that falsely accused Paul, but that they should be yoked with men whose faith was like that of Paul's."

What a passage! Paul says that his heart's love for them and concern to give them the truth had not been changed by the accusations and criticisms that had been leveled against him. He had not lost any room in his heart for them, though they seemed to have lost room for him. In effect, Paul begs them to open their hearts in love for Paul once again. He reminds them that they are his children in the faith and tells them that it is right to recompense Paul's love for them with reciprocal love.

When God places in the lives of people a preacher who loves them and who cares enough for them to tell them the truth, even though they are often offended by that truth; the only right response is to return the love.

No comments:

Post a Comment