Hearts Wide open

2 Corinthians 6:3-12

Tonight we get into a little more discussion of Paul and his partners and all of their ministry

There is a lot of relationship here to our ministry as well.

lets get started with verse 3

The New International Version Chapter 6

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We saw last chapter, Paul was defending his ministry and this is a topic are seeing come up here again.

The fact that this comes up 2 chapters in a row, should probably mean we should pay attention here.

Believers and followers of Jesus Christ are all uniquely called to server Him.

Therefore, our purpose is to expand His ministry.

As we do so, we should recognize that who we are and what we do matters.

This means having hatred and anger towards others

or putting people down of Facebook

Or going out and drinking or any number of other sins we could point out

these are all going to be nothing but a stumbling block for others

not only that, but how we handle the things that come at us.

story of how dee saw Gilbert, no names

that was her fault and Gilbert did nothing wrong, but is shows how much we are watched.

Let’s look at some of what Paul said here a little closer.

The New International Version Chapter 6

as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness

These are not self commendations, rather, it is an internal testimony of their spirit.

They are sharing how they view their ministry and spirit in all situations.

vs. 11

The New International Version Chapter 6

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also

Are you with holding your heart from others.

Often we are fearful of putting ourselves out there where we can get hurt.

Especially with those who have hurt us before.

Paul and the others have been hurt by the Corinthians on more than one occasion.

Yet, they kept their hearts open

Then he tells the Corinthians to open their hearts wide as well.

What is an open heart?

it is unrestrained love.

What about your