“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open” (2 Corinthians 6:11). Paul is speaking to a church that is coming into a new season. They have a good and glorious history, but they have also endured some trials and difficulties.
Everyone reading this has something in common with everyone else: it’s called the flesh — that thing that causes you to fall short of God’s best. The church at Corinth was full of what Paul called carnality — sexual immorality, divisions among them — but Paul assures them that his heart is wide open to them.
I love that. Paul challenges them and wants to correct them, but he also longs to see growth and maturity take place in them. In verse 12 he says, “You are not restricted by us.” In other words, he is telling them that no limitations are on them and they are free to go all out for Jesus.
In the same way, we are not to be people of small faith, restricting the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul goes on to say in verse 12, “But you are restricted by your own affections.” What is keeping you limited? What is keeping you moderate, even ho-hum in your faith? Why are you not seeing an explosion of faith and zeal in your life?
Perhaps you have been wounded — who hasn’t? — and this keeps you from moving deeper into the things of the Lord. But the Word says, “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters” (6:18). A father gives direction and speaks blessing over your life. He calls forth great things in you and gives you an inheritance.
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (7:1). As you take hold of the promises of God, you can have renewed fellowship with Christ that causes you to walk in reverence and holiness in a way you have never experienced before!