2 Corinthians 6:11-13 We open our mouths to you, Corinthians; our heart has been broadened. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) be widened also.
Paul and his companions have been open and honest and have poured out their hearts to the Corinthians. They have not been boastful in their own abilities but have pointed the way to having strong faith in God. They have merged faith and obedience into a lifestyle of self-sacrifice for God’s glory. They have done this not by their own power and abilities but in reliance upon God’s power. In their honest communication, Paul’s own heart has been opened more. This has been a helpful experience to him and his colleagues.
Now Paul is asking the Corinthians to reciprocate and show the same approach in their own lives. He does not stand in their way. The responsibility is placed on them. They have received the same call of being ambassadors of reconciliation. The city of Corinth and its vicinity needed to hear the gospel, and they ones to share this were the believers in this church. The church was caught up in the wrong things. They should not have been focused on criticizing Paul or diverted by the teachings and motives of false apostles. They needed to refocus on what really matters.
They were free to move forward in this mission. Paul reminds them that the only obstacle before them is their own affections. The word for “affection” refers to the deep inner person, one’s motives, goals, outlook, or deep feelings. This could also be interpreted as the “heart.” This is what really needed to change for the Corinthians. They needed to have the same approach to Paul as he has had to them.
It can be difficult for people to be open and honest to one another and to be genuinely concerned and involved with others. We seem to have our own agendas, often with motives of self-preservation. We are afraid to invest ourselves in others or to show the “real us.” Perhaps we may have been hurt in the past or are afraid of being judged. These types of attitudes will make it difficult to be ambassadors for Christ.
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