2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16

In this passage we find Paul appealing to the Corinthians for them to back him and the gospel he brang.

Paul had widened his heart to the Corinthians but they have nothing back. They did not love Paul the way he cared for them. Paul references his previous letter (a letter that history has not recovered) - a letter that seems to have been Paul opening his heart wide to them.

An open heart

An open heart is a heart of transparency and honesty. Paul was not wearing a mask. He embraced his weaknesses and struggles and did not hide them.

The reality for every Christian is that we are all frail and wounded people. We are not called to be Christian super heroes - remember God uses us despite our flaws. The power of God is seen in us more in our weakness as it's clear then that it is God, not us who is working out in our life.

When we put on that mask, we are saying God is not enough for us. That what He has given is not worth sharing. Paul's appeal here is not that the Corinthians love him, but that they open their hearts to the cross, and to share the story with all its "shadows". Paul wasn't worried about himself being rejected, he was worried about God being rejected.

If we aspire to build real relationships, we must aspire to have hearts that are open. And we also need undivided hearts.

An Undivided Heart

In Mosaic law, Jews were called to be pure and holy, like God. Their hearts were to belong to God alone. This is what Paul means when he talks about an undivided heart.

"Do not be yolked to unbelievers"

What does this mean to us today? It's not too clear.

It doesn't mean we should isolate ourselves from non-christians. It doesn't mean we shouldn't engage in our culture.

It mean to not lose your edge as a Christian. It means that our message should not be diluted by what we experience around us. We engage but we remain different and distinctive. The fine line is to be radical without being weird. We should challenge the values around us.

What society needs is not for churches to try to be "trendy", but to be radically different in the truth of the gospel.

Renewed Heart

If we open our heart and have it fixed only on Christ, our hearts will be changed. If we truly are repentant and filled with Goldly sorrow about our sins, our hearts will be truly renewed. Godly sorrow is not just an emotional experience - it must have real action to go with it. But remember, only God can forgive our sins. The actions we perform do not result in forgiveness, but the true turning of our hearts is seen by God and out of compassion and grace Ue forgives us.