EmmDev 2016-09-23 [Treasure in Clay Pots (2Cor)] Give and Take

Give and Take

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange--I speak as to my children--open wide your hearts also.      (2Corinthians6:11-13)

There were false teachers who were trying to discredit Paul and win the loyalty of the Corinthians. In the verses we looked at yesterday it is clear that Paul had opened up his life for the gospel. He had been willing to suffer, be weak and struggle for the sake of the gospel.

He is able to confidently state that his heart and affection had been opened wide to the congregation. Unfortunately the trouble-makers had cast doubt and suspicion over Paul, using his transparency and his unhidden weaknesses to their advantage.

The congregation had closed their heart to Paul.
But because he loved them Paul needed to journey with them.
He had written them a "letter of tears" (which we don't have) where he had to confront a number of issues.
These were issues that threatened the health and life of the church.
Because their hearts were closed to him, they were not willing to receive his correction.

Paul had to appeal to them
- Please open your hearts to me.
- Give me the benefit of the doubt
- Bear the sacrifices I have made for you in mind
- Consider the risks I have taken for you
- Recognise that my life has been an open book to you
- Remember I love you enough to tell you the things you need to hear instead of the the things you want to hear.

Relationships are give and take.
It's very easy for one or both parties to close our hearts.
This can happen because of disappointment, deceit, disillusionment and a number of other reasons.
And Great Pain follows....

The only road to healing in such a relationship is for closed hearts to choose to open up again...

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