Be Enlarged 2 Corinthians 6:13

Paul the apostle shared with the church members in Corinth, “you are not straitened in us, but you are straitened in your own bowels”, and in chapter six and verse thirteen of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members to, “be ... enlarged” where we read:

Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be you also enlarged.

The verse begins, “Now for a recompense in the same, ...” Paul began with the words, “now” which means “moreover and” “for a recompense” or “a reward given in compensation and requital” “in the same” which means “within the equal and like thing”. Paul exhorted the church members toward a “reward given in compensation and requital” like unto he and his companions.

The verse goes onto say, “... (I speak as unto my children,) be you also enlarged.” Paul continued with the words parenthetically, (“I speak” which means “Paul uttered, proclaimed and declared” “as unto my children” or “like unto Paul's own offspring”) “be you” which refers to “the church members” “also” or “even and indeed” “enlarged” or “widened and made broad”. Paul shared how the church members, who were like his own “offspring”, were “restricted and distressed” within their own “hearts and souls”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how it was his “reward” for the church members to be “broadened” in their walk with God. Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with people that is constantly “growing” and “widening” in perspective and range. The idea is to make “broad” or “grow” in fellowship and communion with God and His ways and to continually seek new ways to share Him with others. When we are “enlarged” in the Lord, not only are we blessed, but also those who have invested in us are blessed as well. May we all see and hear Paul's words and “reward” to “be enlarged”.

Next time Paul shares with the church members about, “be not unequally yoked together”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.