2 Corinthians 6:11-13
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. – 2 Corinthians 6:11
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At the start of this passage, we see Paul addressing his readers directly. In Paul’s letters, whenever his heart was deeply stirred, he would call out to his audience by name. For example, when the Galatians were deceived, he exclaimed, “O foolish Galatians!” (Galatians 3:1). When writing warmly to the Philippians, he called them “You Philippians!” (Philippians 4:15).
Earlier in this chapter, Paul spoke of the many hardships he endured for the sake of Christ’s gospel. Spiritually speaking, everything that the Corinthian church had was the fruit of Paul’s labour in the Lord, because he founded this church on his second missionary journey. When he was with them, he held nothing back. Even after leaving them, he wrote four letters to guide and exhort them, two of which have been preserved in Scripture as the longest of his epistles. Every line of these letters reflects Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children, an affection like that of a father for his own children.
In the original Greek, Paul expresses that his love for the Corinthians is constant, and it is consistent in the past, present, and future. The phrase “We have spoken freely” (v.11) means he spoke with honesty and openness, while “our heart is wide open” speaks of his willingness to love and receive them. Sadly, the Corinthians did not understand the depth of Paul’s love for them. He writes, “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.” (v.12) Their hearts were closed toward Paul, not because Paul had wronged them, but because their own hearts had become narrow.
A narrow heart cannot see a way forward. It measures others by the same tightness with which it measures itself. Sadly, the Corinthians viewed Paul, their spiritual father, through such a constricted lens. For Paul, who had poured so much love and care into them, such a misunderstanding would have been deeply painful.
In life, our own hearts can also grow narrow, especially toward those who have hurt or disappointed us repeatedly. Trust becomes fragile, even lost. Yet Paul continued to love the Corinthians whom he had nurtured in Christ. The love he received from Jesus enabled him to keep loving them despite their coldness. So he pleaded with them: “In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.” (v.13) Like a parent toward a rebellious child, Paul’s love remained steadfast and unconditional.
Reflection:
Have you been hurt by someone’s narrow words or attitude? Have repeated disappointments caused you to close your heart toward others? Ask the Lord to give you grace to open your heart again, and let His love flow freely through you once more.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, You see how easily we are hurt by the narrowness of others, and how our own hearts can become narrow too, wounding both others and ourselves. Thank You that Your heart toward us is always wide and gracious. Grant me the same big-heartedness, Lord. When I am hurt or disappointed, help me to respond with love and grace, reflecting Your heart to others. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Click to Read
At the start of this passage, we see Paul addressing his readers directly. In Paul’s letters, whenever his heart was deeply stirred, he would call out to his audience by name. For example, when the Galatians were deceived, he exclaimed, “O foolish Galatians!” (Galatians 3:1). When writing warmly to the Philippians, he called them “You Philippians!” (Philippians 4:15).
Earlier in this chapter, Paul spoke of the many hardships he endured for the sake of Christ’s gospel. Spiritually speaking, everything that the Corinthian church had was the fruit of Paul’s labour in the Lord, because he founded this church on his second missionary journey. When he was with them, he held nothing back. Even after leaving them, he wrote four letters to guide and exhort them, two of which have been preserved in Scripture as the longest of his epistles. Every line of these letters reflects Paul’s deep affection for his spiritual children, an affection like that of a father for his own children.
In the original Greek, Paul expresses that his love for the Corinthians is constant, and it is consistent in the past, present, and future. The phrase “We have spoken freely” (v.11) means he spoke with honesty and openness, while “our heart is wide open” speaks of his willingness to love and receive them. Sadly, the Corinthians did not understand the depth of Paul’s love for them. He writes, “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.” (v.12) Their hearts were closed toward Paul, not because Paul had wronged them, but because their own hearts had become narrow.
A narrow heart cannot see a way forward. It measures others by the same tightness with which it measures itself. Sadly, the Corinthians viewed Paul, their spiritual father, through such a constricted lens. For Paul, who had poured so much love and care into them, such a misunderstanding would have been deeply painful.
In life, our own hearts can also grow narrow, especially toward those who have hurt or disappointed us repeatedly. Trust becomes fragile, even lost. Yet Paul continued to love the Corinthians whom he had nurtured in Christ. The love he received from Jesus enabled him to keep loving them despite their coldness. So he pleaded with them: “In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.” (v.13) Like a parent toward a rebellious child, Paul’s love remained steadfast and unconditional.
Reflection:
Have you been hurt by someone’s narrow words or attitude? Have repeated disappointments caused you to close your heart toward others? Ask the Lord to give you grace to open your heart again, and let His love flow freely through you once more.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, You see how easily we are hurt by the narrowness of others, and how our own hearts can become narrow too, wounding both others and ourselves. Thank You that Your heart toward us is always wide and gracious. Grant me the same big-heartedness, Lord. When I am hurt or disappointed, help me to respond with love and grace, reflecting Your heart to others. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.