One of the most difficult aspects of human relationships is maintaining an open heart to the other person. Perhaps the person on the first occasion you open your heart stabs it or pricks it, either to break it or to cause it to bleed. You’re bruised or even battered by this attack. How do you keep your heart open to that person?
Look at Paul for a moment. He writes to the church at Corinth,
“We speak freely to you, Corinthians, and open wide our hearts to you. We do not withhold our affection from you, but you withhold yours from us. As a fair exchange — I speak as to my children — open wide your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6:11-13, NIV)
I find it bewildering that brothers and sisters in Christ close off their hearts to one another in direct violation to the command to love one another. I find it horrifying that brothers and sisters in Christ proclaim to hate or dislike one another because ‘he doesn’t believe in…” or “she practices this…” or whatever excuse comes to mind.
Paul says to the Corinthians:
“Make room for us in your hearts. We wrong no one, we corrupt no one, we exploit no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7:2-4)
Paul, with great kindness, tells the Corinthians of his pride in — his encouragement from — his joy because of –, and his special love for — them. Now, though he hurt them in his earlier letter, he tells them to open their hearts again to him, as his heart remains open to them.
Father God, help us to truly forgive ourselves and others so that our hearts may remain fully open to the other. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Thanks so much Joyce, Peace in Heaven, Jeffrey, Talin401, and Patricia. God bless you, each and every one! Carley
Thank you From the Heart of J…
Thanks Dei. God bless.
Thank you Drusilla.
A beautifully written and important reminder. Thanks Carley 🙂
God bless you, Ula. Your kind comment lifts my heart. Carley
Thanks Jessie J. God bless you, Carley
What a great word for the day, Carley. I pray that the Lord strengthens me to live faithfully with an open heart today. Even in my car on the road. God bless.
Michael, do I ever need the Lord in my car. I can’t tell you how many persons I see run red lights, drive behind me with their brights on, pass me illegally, speed more than 10 mph over the posted limit and generally drive recklessly, etc. These behaviors just shock me over and over and over again — not occasionally, but I seriously mean I see this every day. And, unfortunately, at the moment, it makes me angry. Ugh. But, I pick myself up and keep hoping I’ll just ‘go with the flow.’ Thanks! Carley
This is one of the things that God has been driving home to me all this year. Thanks for the reminder.
Jeff, you’re welcome. God speaks in mysterious ways through all sorts of means. Ah ha. In Christ, your sister, Carley