Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 6:11-13

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 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.

Humans are very narrow-minded, and we often cannot see a way out. We also often view other people with very narrow view. In our relationship with God, we fall into this trap as well. James 4:5 reminds us, "Do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us'?" Humans either love something passionately or hate something to the core, it is unpredictable. The truth is as James said, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Because of the pride within us, we refuse to admit that we have viewed God with a narrow view.

I remember when I was little, I often look at the stars in the sky and say, "Look! Little stars!". In fact those stars are huge planets, but when from our human point of view, we see them as something little. In the same way, if we view God in such a narrow view, we will not be able to experience all the grace He has in store for us. God says, "My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts." When we humbly surrender before God, we will be amazed at how rich and wide He is.

We often view other people with a very narrow view, particularly people who have hurt us in the past, which creates some distrust in the relationship. Hence, Paul said, "We have spoken freely to you and opened wide our hearts to you... open wide your hearts also." Paul's heart towards the church was wide open. He treated the church like parents would treat their children. Even when children are rebellious, parents will not count it against their own children.

Have you ever been hurt by narrow-minded comments in your life? Pray that God help you open your heart wide and for you to have a father's heart, so that we can overcome any criticisms and not become bitter and sin. Romans 12:14 mentioned, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." Although it is difficult, but when we think of the Lord's love for us as demonstrated on the cross, we know that all things are possible through Him. May the love of God overflow in our lives.

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, I thank you for your heart towards us is opened wide! I pray you will also open wide our hearts so that we will be generous towards others, particularly those who have persecuted us. May you be our ever-present help. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!