Paul
the apostle shared with the church members in Corinth how he and his
companions were, “in all things
approving ourselves as the ministers of God”,
and he added many conditions through which they suffered, were
empowered by God and benefited others. In
chapter six and verse eleven of Second Corinthians, Paul told the
church members, “our mouth is open unto you”
and
their “heart is enlarged”
where we read:
The
verse begins, “O you
Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you,”
Paul began with the words, “O
you Corinthians”
which
refers to “O you inhabitants of Corinth”, “our
mouth” or
“Paul and his companions' front or edge of the face whereby
language and speaking is put forth” “is
open”
refers to “opened up” “unto you”
or “toward the Corinthians”. Paul
shared how he and his companions freely spoke to the Corinthians.
The verse continues, “our
heart is enlarged.”
Paul added the words, “our heart”
which means “Paul and his companions' souls or minds as they are
the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites,
affections, purposes and endeavors”, “is
enlarged”
or “is broad to welcome and embrace you in love”.
Paul and his companions' souls and minds desired to “welcome and
embrace” the Corinthians with their love.
When we think through
these words of Paul, we see how “open”
he and his companions were to the Corinthians.
They wanted the church members to know how their “hearts”
were toward them, and if Paul and his companions needed to suffer so
the church members would have an advantage, so be it. This is the
same “heart” and “open mouth” of Jesus Christ. He desires to
have a relationship with all who will receive Him as “Lord and
Savior”, and when they do, they too shall have an “open
mouth” and “enlarged
heart” like Paul and his friends.
Next
time Paul tells the church members about, “straightening”,
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.
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.
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