2 Corinthians 6:11-13 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.… I. THE APOSTLE'S AFFECTION overflows in an exuberant apostrophe (ver. 11). His love was deep, and this flow of eloquence arose out of the expansion of his heart. 1. "Our heart is enlarged." This remark is wonderful considering the provocations Paul had received. The Corinthians had denied the truthfulness of his ministry, charged him with interested motives, sneered at his manner, etc. In the face of this his heart expands! — partly with compassion. Their insults only impressed him with a sense of their need. How worthy a successor of his Master's spirit! And this is the true test of gracious charity. Does the heart expand or narrow as life goes on? If it narrows, ii misconception or opposition wither love, be sure that that love had no root. "If ye love them that love you, what reward have ye?, And this love is given to all, partly from looking on all as immortal souls in Christ. The everlasting principle within makes all the difference. Hold fast to love. If men wound your heart, let them not sour or embitter it; let them not shut up or narrow it; let them only expand it more and more, and be always able to say with Paul, "My heart is enlarged." 2. "Our mouth is open unto you." He might have shut his lips, and in dignified pride refused to plead his own cause. But instead he speaks his thoughts aloud, and, like Luther, lays his whole heart open to view. Paul had no afterthought, no reservation — he was a genuine man. II. THE RECOMPENSE DESIRED. 1. The enlargement of their heart towards him. 2. To be shown in their separation from the world and from all uncleanness. It was not simply affection towards himself that he desired, but devotion to God. 3. This is the only true recompense of ministerial work. (F. W. Robertson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.WEB: Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged. |
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