SWHW Bible Reading Plan: November 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Malinda Fuller:

"Make room for us in your hearts."

It seems that this ache for connectedness, for deep relationships with others, is not a modern one. These are the words of Paul to the first-century church of Corinth. This was his second letter, and these particular words are an echo of the previous chapter where he states: "We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also" (2 Corinthians 6:12-13).

Make room; open wide your heart. Have you ever thought that about others? Have you,  like Paul, ever felt desperate for someone to deep dive into an authentic relationship with you?

And why don't we? Usually, it's out of hurt. It's either a wound inflicted intentionally or an offense that we've picked up unbeknownst to the other person.

Other reasons for not "making room in our hearts" for others could include lack of healthy boundaries, selfishness, immaturity, or pride. Sometimes we don't want to open ourselves up to people out of fear of rejection, so we choose isolation instead. (But if there's one thing that we've learned in the last couple of years, it's that isolation is not good for us!)

God wants us to be deeply connected to other people; He knows that we are healthier and stronger when surrounded by people who love Him and know us. 

Paul understood this. That is why he earnestly repeats the phrase, "open wide your hearts."

He continues in verses three and four: "I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you."  

Talk about community goals:

You are in our hearts.

To die together and live together.

I have great pride in you. 

Do you know what it feels like to have someone speak that over you? Talk about a confidence booster--someone has great pride in me!

More than likely, you've heard such things from a parent, spouse, or family member. Hopefully, you've had several people (or groups of people) who have walked with you and shared these feelings. But, does your small group speak such words to you and you to them? Is this how your church community or Bible study friends feel about one another?

Paul goes on to say, "In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well” (2 Corinthians 7:13-14). 

Paul sent Titus to Corinth, having told him all about the church members there, and the report he received was that the Corinthians had refreshed Titus. Paul boasted about them, and they didn't disappoint. Because of that, he writes, "I am glad I can have complete confidence in you" (Chapter 2:16).

Do you have complete confidence in your church family? Can they say the same about you? Does your heart need to open a little wider; do you need to "make room" in your heart for Biblical community with the goal of "refreshing others"?

Father, thank You for creating me with a deep need for a relationship, not only with You but also with others. I know that I am better when I am deeply connected in the Biblical community, but sometimes I find that scary, exhausting, and difficult. Please help me to let go of previous hurts, offenses, and judgments; heal my heart so that I can open it wide. I want to make room for other people, and I want others to make room for me. Please guide me to those people who will strengthen, encourage, and challenge me, and may I be able to do the same for others.  Amen.