make room in your hearts for us. we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. i do not say this to condemn you, for 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; i am filled with comfort. in all our affliction, i am overflowing with joy. [2 corinthians 7:2-4]
paul’s plea to the corinthian church. he reveals so much of his heart here. with a clear conscience, he’s loved them with the truth, not watering anything down, knowing that their greatest joy will be to enter humbly into the presence of God through Jesus Christ. with this message of hope, he doesn’t desire shame or regret for them, but for their joy in the gospel. he conveys great love for them. he confirms his brotherhood with them, to link arms as the body of Christ on a mission together for God’s glory. he is amazed at what God is doing among them, knowing that he will be faithful to complete the good work he started there. rooted in confidence of God’s purpose to reconcile all things to himself, paul is filled with joy.
as we take steps of obedience to live out our own calling to spread the gospel, make disciples, reflect God’s glory to the world, and teach others how Jesus wants us to lay everything down to follow him, this should be our same plea. that we would be so filled with confidence in the work God is doing that we lay aside all personal preferences and privileges, and love others with reckless abandon to our own comfort and reputation. that we would be so rooted in our own fear and awe of an almighty God that we would humbly link arms with holy, yet broken brothers and sisters for an imperfect attempt to show a hurting world that they desperately need to know their Creator. that we would be so faithful to the Word of God and confident in its power that it would flow freely from our lips, knowing that it does not return void, and fully aware that it will, at times, be rejected because of veiled hearts. we may be rejected because of veiled hearts. yet our conscience is clear. so, what do we need to be an ambassador with a clear conscience?
he has told you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? [micah 6:8]
justice: we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. ~Lord, cleanse our hands and purify our hearts before you and others.
kindness: i do not say this to condemn you, for i said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. ~Lord, let us lead out in love, speak with care, teach with mercy, and point to Jesus.
humility: i am acting with great boldness toward you; i have great pride in you; i am filled with comfort. in all our affliction, i am overflowing with joy. ~Lord, fill us with confidence in your perfect gospel, peace in your nearness, and joy in your salvation. allow us in your grace to be faithful to our calling in Christ Jesus and to your perfect truth. build your kingdom, Father, and may your glory fill the earth!
~arwen eastman