You Also Be Open

We are strange creatures, we people. Sometimes we are angry with others not because of what they have done to us—but because we feel guilty over what we have done to them. Or because of the way we feel around them. They remind us of our failures or weaknesses—our imperfection—our sin. Sometimes our feelings are so intense we dislike the other person intensely—and at best, we are uncomfortable.

The Corinthian Christians experienced these feelings when they thought of the Apostle Paul. He was their spiritual father but, in his absence, they had followed false teachers. Later, when they recognized their error, they were ashamed to admit it. Paul loved them with a pure heart, but they said hateful things about him. Although he was their spiritual father, thinking about him made them uncomfortable.

Paul wrote a long letter to these mixed-up people. O Corinthians! he said. We have spoken openly to you. Our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your affections . . . You also be open. ( II cor. 6:11,12, 13b NKJV)

All of us have failed other people at times. How do we feel around them? Are we open about our failure?

Originally published September 22, 1989.