"We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also" (2 Cor. 6:11-13).
We've all heard of the expression, "He/she has a big heart." When we use that expression we are referring to someone who feels deeply about others, especially when they have a need. In addition, a big hearted person is often moved into action to help meet the needs of others. This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote, "...our heart is wide open..." The KJV says, "our heart is enlarged." Paul had a deep affection for the Corinthians, but the feelings were not always mutual. Paul wrote that they were restrained in their affections and he exhorted them to enlarge or widen their hearts. Why didn't they have the same big heart for Paul that he had for them? Some people are harder to love than others and if you know anything about the Corinthians they weren't the most lovable bunch, but then again, you don't need a big heart to love lovable people.
But, surely Paul was someone who would be easy to love. What was restricting their hearts? Among another things, the Corinthians struggled with immaturity, pride and listening to the wrong voices. There were some among the Corintians that made false accusations against Paul, which poison the hearts of those who gave ear to it. Paul could have easily come up with reasons not to love the Corinthians, but his big heart wouldn't allow him to. He loved them like Jesus loved him. Thank God for those who even though they may have seen the uglier side of us, love us anyhow. May we seek for God to enlarge our hearts that we might love like Jesus loves us.
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