But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
| An Enlarged
Heart by Cathy Vinson |
Perhaps a certain imbalance is prevalent in human relationships. This is where there isn't a "fair exchange" (vs 13). It may all boil down to an issue of the heart. One may occupy a much larger place in the beholder's heart than visa versa. Yet, even if the beholder has many, many others in his heart, it is possible he may have an enlarged heart. Though not desirable medically, we each should seek this state of heart. "the heart of us has been made larger" (2 Cor 6:11 Gr Inter). This means to make broad, literally when the Pharisees "made broad" the fringes of their phylacteries to be seen by men (Mt 23:4). The "breadth" (Eph 3:18) such as we comprehend of the dimensions of Christ's love is from the same word. So according to this, Paul and Timothy's hearts had been enlarged unto the Corinthians. There was no lack of space for this group in them. So what then drew the tension? From a large space within Paul and Timothy, they were pared down into a narrow place, fitting the tighter dimensions of the Corinthian's affections. The lack of space came in "the bowels" of the Corinthians themselves. This straitening, restraint, lit to be pressed for room (steno-narrow, chloros-space) was enough to cause anguish. Actually the word anguish "came to mean the distress arising from that condition" (narrowness of place). Consider how this tension can hold true for a caring pastor toward a congregation. There is the yearning and groaning desire for hearts to grow into a larger place coupled with the persevering "anguish" when ministering to a narrowing. How about our hearts? Are we narrowing affections that are coming from a larger heart, a heart set in the joy of a larger place (see Ps 118:5; 2 Sam 22:20)? We too, then, can be enlarged, for Paul exclaimed, C'mon you Corinthians, give us a fair exchange; pay us back! You enlarge your hearts, as well!' (2 Cor 6:13) |
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O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. (2 Corinthians 6:11-13) |
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