How can we "open wide our hearts" to others in our community today? The Call to Open Hearts “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.” (2 Corinthians 6:11) Paul models transparent love: honest words, uncluttered motives, wide-open affection. The Spirit repeats that invitation in every generation. What “Open Wide” Looked Like for Paul - He spoke truth without defensiveness (2 Corinthians 7:4). - He refused to hold past wounds against the church (2 Corinthians 2:4). - He expected mutual affection: “In return, open wide your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6:13). Love moves first, speaks first, and assumes God will enlarge the other person’s capacity to respond. Practical Ways to Open Our Hearts Today - Share words that build, not walls. - “Let your conversation be always full of grace.” (Colossians 4:6) - Practice active listening. - “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.” (James 1:19) - Offer tangible help. - “Let us not love with words or speech alone but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) - Extend hospitality. - “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.” (Hebrews 13:2) - Welcome diversity within biblical boundaries. - “Here there is neither Jew nor Greek… but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11) - Stay present in others’ pain. - “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) - Give generously of resources and time. - “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25) Guarding Holiness While Expanding Love Verses immediately following call believers not to be “unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Open hearts do not mean open gates to compromise: - Love the person; reject sin. - Serve without adopting ungodly practices. - Maintain clear gospel witness. This balance mirrors Jesus, “full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Christ: The Model of Wide-Open Love - He “loved to the very end.” (John 13:1) - He laid down His life for us—our pattern of sacrificial care (1 John 3:16). - He invites all who are weary (Matthew 11:28-30), proving no heart is too shattered to receive God’s embrace. A Harvest Promised to Open Hearts - “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38) - “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap.” (Galatians 6:9-10) Open-hearted living plants seeds of trust, reconciliation, and gospel opportunity. The Spirit’s fruit follows: deeper community, transformed lives, and glory to the Lord who first opened His heart to us. |
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