2 Corinthians 7:3; Ye Are In Our Hearts

2 Corinthians 7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

The Apostle Paul has to emphasize his love for the Corinthian Church. He spoke those words of warning by a loving entreaty to protect their spiritual well-being. He is by no means speaking a word of condemnation. There is no ill will or malice towards them but their welfare and interest were in his heart. He had to refute the false accusations against him and his team so that the good seed of the gospel sown will bring forth fruit in their lives.

Hendriksen observed well here, “Paul tells the Corinthians that in case they die, he will die with them and as they live, he will live with them. He does not ask them to die with him when his life comes to an end. In short, Paul expresses his love for them, not they for him.”¹

Such love is divine. Only a man touched by Christ’s life is able to serve with such selfless dedication – 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it. We have seen the many physical hardships and dangers that the Apostle Paul endured preaching the gospel.

A worthy example of a missionary’s heart for our learning. Amen.

¹Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 19, pp. 244–245). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.