If we are going to be a body that reaches into the community, into the world, we will have to constantly remember that life is more than just personal ethics, having the right “code”, performing the right behavior. And following Christ is not something we do alone. We need the encouragement that the body provides. We need the support and direction. I wonder if it is pride that makes us think that we can please God in our own effort, apart from our part in the body? Or is it just an inability to grasp God’s vision for the Church?
Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you. Our hearts are open to you. If there is a problem between us, it is not because of a lack of love on our part, but because you have withheld your love from us. I am talking now as I would to my own children. Open your hearts to us!
2 Corinthians 6:11-132 Corinthians 6:11-13
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
11 Friends in Corinth, we are telling the truth when we say that there is room in our hearts for you. 12 We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us. 13 I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us.
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Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone. We have not led anyone astray. We have not taken advantage of anyone. I’m not saying this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts forever. We live or die together with you. I have the highest confidence in you, and my pride in you is great. You have greatly encouraged me; you have made me happy despite all our troubles.
2 Corinthians 7:2-42 Corinthians 7:2-4
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
The Church Makes Paul Happy 2 Make a place for us in your hearts! We haven't mistreated or hurt anyone. We haven't cheated anyone. 3 I am not saying this to be hard on you. But, as I have said before, you will always be in our thoughts, whether we live or die. 4 I trust you completely. f I trust you completely: Or “I have always spoken the truth to you” or “I can speak freely to you.” I am always proud of you, and I am greatly encouraged. In all my trouble I am still very happy.
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I hope as you read these two short passages that you hear Paul’s heart; he is crying for the Corinthians to realize that they are bound to him in love. Who they are is tied up in who Paul is. Who Paul is is tied up in who they are. Alone, both suffer a great loss. They are part of the same body, part of a community.
Receiving love is not any easier than giving it it seems. Giving love makes us vulnerable. Will our love be valued? Or will it be taken advantage of? Will it grow? But receiving love is also likely to make us vulnerable. Receiving love requires that we recognize our dependence on each other. And this isn’t just that we meet each others’ needs – like loaning money, trading childcare, borrowing vehicles, helping each other move. All that is involved in what it means to be a Christian community, but much more.
We live or die together with you. That’s an important relationship. One that should not be taken for granted. Who we are is tied up in the relationships we make. Though we often claim to value independence, it is often only a cover to protect ourselves from the truth – our relationships have a huge impact on who we are. We are not as independent as we tell ourselves.
Jesus certainly didn’t think of himself as independent. He was part of something, and needed – even asked – for the support of those closest to him. He always first took the time to grow closer to God. But he did not stop there. He “got dirty” in people’s lives, allowing them to be a part of God’s call in his life. People were not a burden, one more thing on the “savior” checklist. People were his mission; Jesus came so he might identify with us. We don’t have a cold and detached savior – we have a compassionate friend who has experienced life and relationship.
We rub off on each other. A single word can send us to the heights of joy or the depths of a bad mood. Without other Christians to encourage and challenge us – to grow along with us – we will never fully experience things like love, joy peace, kindness… These all involve connections, community, personal involvement in each others’ lives. And without our particular manner and weaknesses, someone is not going to develop the forgiving and praying spirit God desires in them. Becoming more like Christ is something we can’t do alone!
God expects us to be shaped by those around us; he wants us to choose our companions wisely for this very reason. First, we realize that who we are is bound up in what we have received from God. Second, we begin to grasp that who we are is bound up in what we receive from those God has placed in our lives. We may never fully grasp the significance of each soul surrounding us. But that doesn’t stop the whole body from being enriched by God’s wonderful plan.
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