Take a moment to read 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 before reading the devotional below.
If you haven’t noticed it yet, the tone of this entire letter from Paul to the Corinthian church is a plea for restored relationship and trust. Some others have preached against them, though we do not know exactly what has happened or what was said. Paul is imploring them to see his heart and his character. He has suffered significantly and he hopes that counts for something.
When a relationship is harmed, you hope that those who have known you will remain connected with who you really are. Narratives get spun all the time, but if you have proven yourself to others you hope that they can see the truth. In Paul’s case, the truth he wants them to see is way beyond him. He’s concerned with their eternal salvation.
Here’s your freedom for today:
Freedom is found in an open heart.
When your heart is closed to someone, part of you remains hardened. This obviously causes problems in that relationship, but it also impacts your spiritual life. You cannot love God with a hard heart. What parts of your heart are closed off today? Are there conflicts you remain bitter about? Have you shut yourself off to God or to those who have hurt you? What would it look like to open yourself up, show love, or be vulnerable?