“Make room for us in your hearts…” (2 Corinthians 7:2a)
Hearts are like stomachs; they grow or shrink based upon use. Showing love, mercy, compassion, and kindness is like food for the heart. When we make room in our hearts for others, we never run out; we just stretch and grow until there is room for more.
Those with children understand this – a second child does not diminish your love for the first. Your love is not divided; your heart just makes room.
We would do well to apply this principal beyond our immediate families, too. Making room in our hearts for our neighbors, the man on the street, even our enemies, does not diminish our souls; it expands them.
The Lord is not merely interested in redecorating the interior of your heart. He doesn’t wish to just slap a new coat of paint on the walls, rearrange the furniture, and call it “new”. He wants to tear down some walls, fling out new wings and dormers, add balconies and parapets to your heart, and fill all sorts of new rooms with guests.
Believe me when I say the Architect has plans to “make room” in that heart of yours.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:5
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision