2 Corinthians 7:2-4 says:
Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
You might feel like this is just going over what the apostle Paul said earlier. And it is – but there’s another layer that he adds. Something else stands out from the first part of 2 Corinthians 7:2:
Make room in your hearts for us.
He doesn’t say, “Listen to us” or “Respect us” or “Move forward as Christians.” Instead, what he’s saying is, “Love us the way we’ve been loving you.”
Don’t Lock Other People Out of Your Heart
Amid all the struggles Paul had with the Corinthian Christians, what was important to him was the relationship. He wanted unity with these believers. He, Timothy and others wanted their relationship with the Corinthians to be intact.
Just a few verses ago (2 Corinthians 6:11), Paul said that his heart was wide open to the Corinthians. His relationship with them was completely open.
For us, we need to ask ourselves, “Are there people that I have locked out of my heart? Who have I not made room for to embrace and love the way I’m supposed to?”
Love is what Jesus commanded us to do, and it’s what sets us apart as Christians. Is there anyone in your life that you have refused to love? Maybe they’ve wronged you and so you feel like your locking them out is justified.
Relationships are often complicated. But we need to let God search us and show us if there’s any way we’ve shut people out of our hearts. If God has brought someone into your life, He will give you the ability to love them. We can forgive and love anyone.
A Challenge for Today
In light of this, here’s a little challenge. Take your church directory and pray through it. Remember the people in your church and pray about your relationship with them.
If you’ve locked anyone out of your heart, ask the Lord to help you deal with this. If not, just remember to make room in your heart for these Christians in your life. Pray for them, connect with them and find ways to love them.
Devotional streamed on Facebook Live – Friday, Apr. 17 @ 3:00 PM
