What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 6:12? It is not our affection • Paul has just declared, “We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our hearts are open wide” (2 Corinthians 6:11). His love flows unhindered, echoing the self-giving spirit he showed in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 and the fatherly concern of 1 Corinthians 4:14-15. • That openness springs from Christ’s own love compelling him (2 Corinthians 5:14), so any distance does not begin on his side. • He has labored, suffered, and even “spent himself” for them (2 Colossians 12:15), proving his affection is real and abundant. but yours • The Corinthians, influenced by rival teachers (2 Colossians 11:3-4, 13-15), have grown suspicious and cool. • Paul pleads, “Make room for us in your hearts” (2 Corinthians 7:2-3); their love has contracted while his has expanded. • Like the Galatians who once would have given Paul their very eyes (Galatians 4:15-16) yet later treated him as an enemy, the Corinthians’ warmth has ebbed, not because of lack on Paul’s part, but because of distractions and misplaced loyalties. that is restrained • “Restrained” pictures a heart narrowed or pinched, unable to beat freely. Spiritual clutter—worldly alliances (2 Corinthians 6:14), lingering sin (1 Corinthians 5:1-2), pride in human leaders (1 Colossians 3:3-4)—compresses their capacity to love. • Paul asks for “a fair exchange—open wide your hearts also” (2 Corinthians 6:13). Their first step is to remove the barriers, just as Hebrews urges believers to “lay aside every weight” (Hebrews 12:1) so nothing chokes their devotion. • Once the restraint is gone, they can abound in earnestness and love (2 Corinthians 8:7), mirroring the unrestricted affection God shows them (Romans 5:5; 8:32). summary Paul’s words are tender and direct: the bottleneck is not in his heart but in theirs. His love stands wide-open, proven by sacrifice and transparent speech. The Corinthians, however, have allowed competing voices and lingering sin to tighten the walls of their hearts, stifling their affection for Paul and, ultimately, for Christ. Removing those restraints and opening wide to sincere, Christ-centered love is the only remedy—and the apostle urges them to take it without delay. |
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