Heart to Heart

​There had been a major conflict.  A pastor’s heart had been overly burdened and concerned for a fledgling congregation, and that congregation had spurned the advice and authority of its founder and leader.  Things were not looking good, and the situation seemed unfixable.  

​Ever found yourself in a similar situation?  However, nothing is impossible with our God and when we humble ourselves and submit our will to His, the impossible becomes possible.  And that’s exactly what happened in Corinth.  Things were being mended and reconciliation was taking place on the part of the Corinthians, and Paul’s heart was overflowing with relief, thankfulness, comfort, and joy, thus prompting him to write the letter of II Corinthians.
 
This book is filled with nuggets of truth, promises, and often-quoted and well-known verses.  However, one of the things often overlooked about this book is how raw and open it is.  Paul is laying out his heart in a raw, real way.  This isn’t one of his more scholarly, systematic books on doctrine.  This is a letter born from months of stress, concern, worry, and anxiety that has finally been lifted.  It’s real.  It’s relatable.  Its Paul’s heart laid out on paper. 
 
So as we dive into this wonderful book next week, keep in mind the history, background, and story of the Corinthians church and think of Paul who spent months worrying about this young church and after hearing of their restoration was filled with unexplainable joy and relief.  And keep your heart open to what God has to show, for this truly is a heart-to-heart book written by one shepherd for his flock which also reveals to us the Great Shepherd’s heart’s desire for us.

“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.”
~II Corinthians 7:2-3