2 Corinthians 6:11-13 // Widen Your Heart to the World

It might seem like 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 is just a bridge from one thought to another. But they’re more than that – they reveal the apostle Paul’s tenderness and enduring love for the Corinthians. In spite of everything, though, he was committed to them and the kingdom of God.

Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthians

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.

– 2 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)

Paul sensed a great relationship between himself and those in Corinth. He spoke freely with them, being direct and not shading the truth in any way. Here he uses a friendly tone, helping them to see this letter as personal and wide open.

This verse reflects Paul’s love for the Corinthians. It was like a parent’s love for their child. He went to great lengths and made great sacrifices to show how much he loved them and to give them what they needed most. And like a parent, he was pained that they did not respond to this. Even more, he was pained that they weren’t responding to Christ’s love.

You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.

– v. 12

In other words, the Corinthians’ were not doing anything outside their own self-centered world. They thought of themselves more than anyone else. And these affections were restricting.

Paul’s response to this:

In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.

– v. 13

How to “Widen Our Hearts”

If all we ever think about is ourselves, our hearts have little room for anything else. When we don’t practice caring, giving and loving, we end up having a hard time doing it.

What would happen if we as Christians widened our hearts to each other? What if we widened our hearts to our family? To our neighborhood? To the world? What if we shared with others everything we’ve received in Christ?

But how do we “widen our hearts”? By following the example of Christ. We widen our hearts by practicing “one another” commands like these:

• love one another
• agree with one another
• bear with each other
• forgive each other
• teach one another
• encourage one another
• stir up one another to love and good deeds
• don’t neglect to meet with one another
• live in harmony with each other

Jesus commanded that we love one another, just as He has loved us. So let’s widen our hearts to each other and to the world. Let’s live in such a way that everyone can tell what we’ve received in Christ.

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