Winston Salem church of Christ

EXPANDING OUR HEARTS

Boca; Montego Bay Jamaica; WS

Part One

INTRO:

A. Question:

Let’s begin with a heart-provoking and maybe heart-wrenching question – “How can a congregation be right on all the brotherhood issues, straight on all the doctrinal points, correct all the hot-button topics, both historical and current, yet have such a lack of cohesiveness that the first time a problem or disagreement arises, it splits the church?

1. What has been lacking in such a church all along, even though they think they have all the right answers on church matters?

2. Over the years, the members have simply failed to open or expand their hearts to one another. They practice a religion of ritual and non-committing answers; they have no relationship with one another. They know the truth, but they do not allow the truth to change them into the image of Christ.

· 2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB (18) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

3. This I would like to suggest is the root of most congregational problems. We like to focus on doctrinal differences, but doctrinal differences can only be handled IF both the following criteria exist:

· If accept the same source of authority.

· If open our hearts to one another.

B. The local church is “many members” tied together to form “one body.” We are “individually members one of another” (Rom.12:5) – that is, we belong to each other, so that what affects you, affects me (1 Cor.12:26; Heb.13:1-3; Rom.12:9-15). And we use our individual talents and personalities for the good of one another. With such an attitude, we will find ourselves investing time and energy in one another, and so, building strong bonds. But beware when you find yourself referring to your local congregation in the third person (“those people down there”), rather than in the first person (“we”).

1. Quote:

Charles E. Jefferson once described the difference between an audience and a church. He said, “An audience is a crowd. A church is a family. An audience is a gathering. A church is a fellowship. An audience is a collection. A church is an organism. An audience is a heap of stones. A church is a temple.”

2. I hope that everyone in this room understands that critical difference. If the Lion’s club or the Kiwanis club is torn with dissension, it is a shame. But when the church of Jesus Christ is in turmoil, it is a shame and a tragedy. When the church, or any individual there of, believes it has served or worshiped by fulfilling the external activities, the church fails to live, exist, and thrive.

C. Illustration: Restricted Hearts

1. In the following story, I want you to think who all has restricted hearts, and the effects of those restricted hearts.

2. Teddy is not atypical of many of the kids who fill the classrooms of America. This story, however, is not just about Teddy; it’s also about his 5th grade teacher. Her name is Miss Thompson. Miss Thompson is the one who wrote the story, which she simply entitled, “Three Letters From Teddy.”

She writes,

Teddy’s letter came today, and now that I’ve read it, I will place it in my cedar chest with the other things that are important to my life. “I wanted you to be the first to know,” Teddy wrote to me. I smiled as I read the words he had written and my heart swelled with pride. But it was a pride that I really had no right to feel.

You see, I have not seen Teddy Stallard since he was a student in my 5th grade class, 15 years ago. It was early in my teaching career, and I had only been teaching for two years. From the first day he stepped into my classroom, I disliked Teddy. Teachers (although everyone knows differently) are not supposed to have favorites in a class, but most especially they are not to show dislike for a child. Any child.

Nevertheless, every year there are one or two children that one cannot help but be attached to, for teachers are human, and it’s human nature to like bright, pretty, intelligent people.

Whether they are 10 years old or 25. And sometimes, not too often fortunately, there will be one or two students to whom the teacher just can’t seem to relate.

I had thought myself quite capable of handling my personal feelings along that line until Teddy walked into my life. There wasn’t a child I particularly liked that year, but Teddy was most assuredly, one I disliked. He was dirty. Not just occasionally, but all the time. His hair hung low over his ears, and he actually had to hold it out of his eyes as he wrote his papers in class. (And this was before it was fashionable to wear your hair this way!)

Too, he had a peculiar odor about him which I could never identify. His physical faults were many, and his intellect left a lot to be desired also. By the end of the first week I knew he was hopelessly behind the others. Not only was he behind; he was just plain slow! I began to withdraw from him immediately. Any teacher will tell you that it’s more of a pleasure to teach a bright child. It is definitely more rewarding for one’s ego too.

But any teacher worth her credentials can channel work to the bright child, keeping him challenged and learning, while she puts her major effort on the slower ones. Any teacher can do this. Most teachers do it, but I didn’t, not that year. In fact, I concentrated on my best students and let the others follow along as best they could. Ashamed as I am to admit it, I even took a kind of perverse pleasure in using my red pen; and each time I came to Teddy’s papers, the cross marks (and they were many) were always a little larger and a little redder than necessary.

“Poor work!” I would write with a flourish. While I didn’t actually ridicule the boy, my attitude was obviously quite apparent to the class, for he quickly became the class “goat,” the outcast??the unlovable and the unloved. He knew I didn’t like him, but he didn’t know why. Nor did I know??then or now??why I felt such an intense dislike for him. All I knew is that he was a little boy no one cared about, and I made no effort in his behalf.

The days rolled by. We made it through the Fall Festival and the Thanksgiving holidays, and I continued marking happily with my red pen. As the Christmas holidays approached, I knew that Teddy would never catch up in time to be promoted to the sixth grade. He would be a repeater. To justify myself, I went to his cumulative folder from time to time.

He had very low grades for the first four years, but no grade failure yet. How he had made it, I didn’t know. I closed my mind to the personal remarks I also read on those report cards. First grade: Teddy shows promise by work and attitude, but had poor home situation. Second grade: Teddy could do better, Mother terminally ill. He receives very little help at home.

Third grade: Teddy is a pleasant boy. Helpful, but too serious. A slow learner. His mother passed away at the end of year. Fourth grade: Very slow, but well behaved. Father shows no interest.

Well, they passed him four times, but he will certainly repeat fifth grade! Do him good, I said to myself. And then the very last day before the Christmas holiday arrived. In our classroom, our little tree on the reading table was covered with paper and popcorn chains. Many, many gifts were heaped underneath of the tree too, each of them waiting for the big moment. Teachers always get several gifts at Christmas, but that year my collection of gifts seemed bigger and more elaborate than ever. There was not one student who had not brought me a gift.

With each unwrapping, came squeals of delight, and the proud giver would receive an effusive thank?you from me. Teddy’s gift wasn’t the last one I picked up; in fact it was in the middle of the pile. His wrapping was a brown paper bag, and he had colored Christmas trees and red bells all over it. I could tell it came from his heart.

It was stuck together with masking tape. The gift label simply read, “For Miss Thompson??From Teddy.” The group was completely silent, and for the first time I felt conspicuous, really even embarrassed because they all stood watching me unwrap Teddy’s gift.

As I removed the last bit of masking tape, two items fell to my desk; a gaudy rhinestone bracelet with several stones missing and a small bottle of dime store cologne??half empty. I could hear the snickers and the whispers and I wasn’t sure I could look at Teddy. “Isn’t this lovely?” I asked, placing the bracelet on my wrist. “Teddy, would you help me fasten it?” He smiled shyly as he fixed the clasp, and I held up my wrist for all of them to admire it.

There were a few hesitant oohs and ahhs, but as I dabbed the cologne behind my ears, all of the little girls lined up for a dab behind their ears as well.

I continued to open the gifts until I reached the bottom of the pile. We ate our refreshments there in the class, and then the bell rang. The children filed out with shouts of “See you next year!” and “Merry Christmas!” but Teddy waited at his desk. When they had all left, he walked toward me, clutching his books to his chest.

“You smell just like Mom,” he said softly, “Her bracelet looks real pretty on you too. I’m glad you liked it,” He left quickly. I locked the door, sat down at my desk, and wept. That day I resolved to make up to Teddy what I had deliberately deprived him of?? a teacher who cared for him and who believed in him.

I stayed over every afternoon with Teddy from the end of the Christmas holidays until the last day of his fifth grade. Sometimes we worked together. Sometimes he worked alone, while I drew lesson plans or graded other papers. Slowly but surely, he caught up with the rest of the class. And gradually there was a definite upward curve in his grades. He did not have to repeat the fifth grade.

In fact, his final averages were among the highest in the class, and although I knew he would be moving out of the state when school was out, I was not worried about him. Teddy had reached a level that would stand him in good stead the following year, no matter where he went. He had finally enjoyed a measure of success. And as we were taught in our teacher training courses, “It is success that builds success.” I felt good.

3. The Letters:

I did not hear from Teddy until seven years later, when his first letter appeared in my mailbox. This is what it said. Letter number 1. “Dear Miss Thompson, I just wanted you to be the first to know, I will be graduating second in my class next month. Very truly yours, Teddy Stallard.” I sent him a card of congratulations and a small package, a pen and pencil gift set. I wondered what he would do after graduation.

Four years later, Teddy’s second letter came. It simply said this, “Dear Miss Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know, I was just informed that I’ll be graduating first in my class. The university has not been easy, but I liked it. Very truly yours, Teddy Stallard.” I sent him a good pair of sterling silver monogrammed cuff links and a card. I was so proud of him, I thought I would burst.

And now today, Teddy’s third letter arrived. This is what it said. “Dear Miss Thompson, I wanted you to be the first to know. As of today I am Theodore J. Stallard, M.D. How about that!!? I’m going to be married in July, on the 27th, to be exact. And I wanted to ask if you could come and sit where Mom would sit if she were here. I’ll have no family there, as Dad died last year. Very truly yours, Ted Stallard.”

I’m not sure what kind of gift you send to a doctor on completion of medical school and his state boards. Maybe I’ll just wait and take a wedding gift, but my note can’t wait. So I wrote him back and this is what I said. “Dear Ted, Congratulations! You made it, and you did it! In spite of those like me and not because of us, this day has come for you. God bless you. Yes, I’ll be at your wedding, with bells on!” Signed, Miss Thompson.

I would like to disagree slightly with Miss Thompson – Ted did not succeed despite her. But I cannot help but to wonder…whose helped whom more?

D. Text: 2 Cor.6:11-13; 7:2-4

· 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 NASB (11) Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. (12) You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. (13) Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also.

· 2 Corinthians 7:2-3 NASB (2) Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one. (3) I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.

BODY:

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF AN OPEN HEART

· Unless we understand the importance of something, we will not emphasize it. For example, have you ever known anyone who did not understand the importance of putting oil in a car? We are probably related to one of these persons.

A. Necessary to Imitate Christ (2 Cor.5:14)

B. Necessary to Love Others (2 Cor.2:4)

C. Necessary for Relationship with Others (2 Cor.3:2)

D. Necessary for Relationship with God (2 Cor.3:3)

E. Necessary for Understanding God’s Word (2 Cor.3:15)

F. Necessary as Initiative to Help (2 Cor.8:16)

G. We could list more, but let’s make this one application – the importance of an open hearts also shows us the dangers if we do not have one:

· We Can’t Imitate Christ

· We Can’t Love Others

· We Can’t Have a Relationship with Others

· We Can’t Have a Relationship with God

· We Can’t Understand God’s Word

· We Won’t Want to Help Others

o All of these effects lead to another reason why it is important to expand our hearts – if we do not, we will hurt people.

II. EFFECTS OF CLOSED HEARTS HURT OTHERS

A. In this section I want to focus on the hurt that Paul experiences due to the closed hearts from the Corinthians. Our closed hearts not only cause us pain, but cause pain to others. Maybe we don’t mind the heartache in ourselves. But do we really want to be responsible for others hurting? Listen to the hurt:

· 2 Corinthians 1:17 NASB (17) Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time?

· 2 Corinthians 1:23 NASB (23) But I call God as witness to my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth.

o Paul stayed away because he didn’t want to cause them sorrow.

· 2 Corinthians 2:1-3 NASB (1) But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again. (2) For if I cause you sorrow, who then makes me glad but the one whom I made sorrowful? (3) This is the very thing I wrote you, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice; having confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all.

· 2 Corinthians 3:1 NASB Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you?

o Those who should have known Paul are acting like strangers.

o Have you ever been betrayed by someone, or if not betrayed, at least snubbed? This is what the Corinthians had done to Paul.

· 2 Corinthians 5:12 NASB (12) We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.

· 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 NASB (11) Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. (12) You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. (13) Now in a like exchange–I speak as to children–open wide to us also.

· 2 Corinthians 7:2 NASB Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one.

III. HOW CAN WE EXPAND OUR HEARTS?

A. Observe The Example of Those Having Expanded Hearts

1. Illustrations often instruct more clearly than commands. 2 Corinthians is filled with several good examples of open hearts: God; Jesus; Paul; and Titus. However, there is one that receives extra attention – the Macedonians.

2. In the past I have always viewed the example of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8 to be an example for the Corinthians concerning their collection for needy saints. In other words, I always thought their example looked forward to Paul’s comments concerning the collection. Now I see their example not only looking forward, but looking backward as well. They are the example of open hearts.

a. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NASB (1) Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, (2) that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. (3) For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, (4) begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, (5) and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

3. What are the purposes of giving this example (and all good examples?)?

· To show us what we can do.

· To compare ourselves to.

· To examine ourselves.

· To guilt us possibly.

4. Learn to expand your heart by studying the examples set by Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, and other big-hearted Bible characters (Phil.2; Titus; 2 Cor.8,9). Watch how big-hearted people today meet visitors, build friendships, work through disagreements, etc.

B. Develop An Understanding, Tolerant, and Forgiving Attitude Towards Others

1. 2 Cor.12:11-13, he bore no grudge toward the Corinthians (6:11-12). Because of his love for them (1 Cor.13:7 - “love bears all”), he was able to rise above their petty remarks about his personal appearance and manner (2 Cor.10:10) – the very kind of remarks that blows churches wide open today.

· 2 Corinthians 6:11-12 NASB (11) Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. (12) You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections.

C. See People Spiritually

1. What that means is that we do not focus on who they were, but who they are. And while we do see what they do, who they are “shapes” our view of them.

· 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NASB (16) Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. (17) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Part Two

IV. WHY BRETHREN RESTRICT THEIR HEARTS

A. Bad Influence of Others

1. Some in the church at Corinth had influenced others to close their hearts to Paul by accusing him of being unstable, cowardly, not even a true apostle, and maybe worst of all, a bad public speaker! (2 Cor.10:10-11; 11:5-6; 12:11-12). In the same way, a disgruntled member might succeed in turning the majority of the members against others in the church (1 Tim.5:19,22). We must remember that 1 Cor.15:33 – bad company corrupts good morals – was written not to teenagers (although it applies) but to the influence of bad teachers on churches.

· 2 Corinthians 10:10-11 NASB (10) For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.” (11) Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.

· 2 Corinthians 11:5-6 NASB (5) For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. (6) But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.

· 2 Corinthians 12:11-12 NASB (11) I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. (12) The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

2. This of course can work with people outside the church too. We need to pick our friends carefully and ask, “Who is influencing Whom?”

3. We can often, and sadly see this in teenagers, who chose their friends over their family.

B. They Have Been Wronged By Others in the Past (or just hurt)

1. Illustration: Cats and Hot Stoves

Someone once observed that cats, once they jump on a hot stove, will never jump on another hot stove again. But neither will they jump on a cold one.

2. Illustration: Mistreated Dogs

Have you ever seen a dog that has been mistreated? No matter what you do, the dog will either run away, or suspiciously and cautiously dart back and forth as it painfully approaches you. Janet and I once rescued a stray dog which we named Oliver. We were not able to keep him because we lived in an apartment where that was against the rules. Sadly, whenever Oliver would see you with a shoe in your hand, whether you were picking it up or putting it on, it would cower. Why? Because it had been mistreated.

3. Life Example: Christians Not Welcome

I know one brother who refuses to hire Christians because they had taken advantage of him because of their relationship.

4. Quote: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

5. Scriptures: 2 Cor.7:2

· 2 Corinthians 7:2 NASB Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one.

C. Overprotectiveness of Self

1. When we open our hearts to others, they see not only our strengths, but also our weaknesses. Feeling threatened, we keep them at arm’s length. We also are afraid of being hurt.

2. 2 Cor.12:11-13 – can you “hear” the pain?

· 2 Corinthians 12:11-13 NASB (11) I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. (12) The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. (13) For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

V. HOW CAN WE EXPAND RESTRICTED HEARTS IN OTHERS

A. None of the following techniques are guaranteed to work. How comforting is that?! There will always be people we cannot reach, those who have closed their hearts to the point where they are practically, if not in reality, unreachable. One can only be helped/healed IF (Big IFs):

· They Know Need Help.

· They Are Willing to be Helped.

· They Are Willing to be Helped by You.

B. Love Them Unconditionally

1. What this means is that our love for them is not based upon their performance.

2. What this does not mean is that our love for them overlooks and excuses unacceptable behavior.

· 2 Corinthians 5:14 NASB (14) For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;

· 2 Corinthians 2:4 NASB For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.

· 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 NASB (11) Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (12) Greet one another with a holy kiss. (13) All the saints greet you. (14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

3. Illustration: Birth of Children

God has given our hearts this amazing capacity to just keep expanding to take in more and more people. Parents have their first child and cannot imagine loving another baby like they do this one. But then their second child is born – and, lo, and behold – they expand their hearts and find they love him/her just as much as the first. And so it goes through life, whether the child is added through birth or adoption. The heart can just keep on expanding. I couldn’t imagine loving another child as much as I love Rachel. And then came Ashley – and my heart just expanded. And then came Rick and Ken. Sometimes love comes quickly, as with our children. Sometimes it doesn’t. When Rachel was born one the first things out of my wife’s mouth was, “Perry, it’s amazing. I immediately loved her. But I had to learn to love you.”

C. Express Confidence in Others

1. Instead of fault-finding, do some “strength-finding;” that is, look for things which you can commend in others – tell them ways they have been a blessing to you. Get “mushy” with them. A lot of closed hearted people have low self-confidence that can actually be masked by overconfidence.

2. Illustration: A Humbling Experience

One preacher wrote in a religious journal a Challenge for the Month. He exhorted them to write or tell someone they did not like, and tell them something they appreciated about that person…Guess what he got in the mail?!

· 2 Corinthians 7:4 NASB Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.

· Romans 15:14-15 NASB And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. (15) But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God,

D. Praise Them for Jobs Well Done

· (2 Corinthians 7:15 NASB) His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.

1. Illustration: A Glass of Water

Grandfather was in the back yard, and it was mid-morning. He small grandson kept begging him…

“Gramps, can I fix you a hamburger?”

“No, honey, Gramps is full. He just had breakfast.”

“Hmmmmmmmm. Can I fix you a hot dog?”

“I don’t think a hot dog would mix well with the eggs inside.” The child tugged on his grandfather’s arms, and burst into an enormous smile.

“I know, Gramps…a glass of water?”

Grandfather looked into the dirtsmeared face. He wasn’t thirsty, but he could see the boy’s desire to do something special for the man he most admired.

“Yep, I think Gramps could use a drink.”

The child ran into the kitchen. He happened to pick up a dirty glass from the sink instead of a clean one. He turned on the hot water tap, instead of the cold. As he ran out the door with the water, the mud from his hands smeared over the outside of the glass, dribbled inside, and clouded the hot water.

“Here you are, Gramps.” (Oh, his enthusiasm!)

Gramps looked at the awful glass of water, and caught the sparkle in the small face. He drank it all, and wrapped his arms around the lad.

“You know, that was the best glass of water Gramps ever had.” And he wasn’t lying! It was…and you know why!

2. Life Experience: A Cabbage Sandwich

When Rachel was about 5 or six years old, she decided she wanted to make her Papa a lunch. She did a good job. It was one of the best sandwiches I ever had…even though she thought she was putting lettuce on it and instead put cabbage!

3. Life: Life Experience

Ashley is just finishing second grade. Recently in school she wrote a paper giving three reasons why her mother is special. I won’t go over all three, but the first was that her momma was special because she married such a good-looking man. Just kidding. Seriously, many words in the paper were misspelled. Do you think that mattered? Do you think her mother cared? Do you think it would have been any more special without the errors? Of course not.

4. Sometimes my very best, however supported by enthusiasm, turns out not to be so good after all – I am not saying, unscriptural, just not perfect. Like “Gramps,” God’s love overlooks the muddiness and the dirt, sees down under to my heart. I am not advocating sincerity only religion, but rather that God, when I am doing what He commanded, is more concerned about my heart than my professionalism. And sometimes my brethren need to grant to me some leeway, and I them, because we have adopted the heart of God. With time, God teaches me the difference between a good glass of water and a bad one. He smooths my rough edges if I let Him. And with time, I will grow – if my brethren let me.^[1]

D. Express Unreserved Good Will and Commitment to Them

1. Let them know by your words and actions that you are committed to them through good times and bad. You will stick with them for their good when they are living right (to encourage them) and when they are not living right (to reprove them).

· 2 Corinthians 7:3 NASB I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.

E. Plead from Strength not Weakness

1. The relationship is pleaded for, but not from weakness or co-dependency. It is not pleaded for your sake, but for theirs.

· 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 NASB (11) Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. (12) You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. (13) Now in a like exchange–I speak as to children–open wide to us also.

F. Be Open to Them

1. People who have been hurt, whose heart has been hardened, are suspicious of others…of every one. Help soften their heart by being transparent.

· (2 Corinthians 1:12 NASB) For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

· (2 Corinthians 4:2 NASB) but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

· (2 Corinthians 6:11 NASB) Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide.

· (2 Corinthians 6:13 NASB) Now in a like exchange–I speak as to children–open wide to us also.

· (2 Corinthians 8:24 NASB) Therefore openly before the churches, show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.

CONCLUSION:

A. God has indeed given our hearts an amazing capacity to continually expand toward one another, but we must overcome any fear, ignorance, disinterest, or laziness that hinders us from doing so. Expanded hearts result in strong bonds that not only survive church crises, but even grow stronger as a result of them!

B. It is human nature to become accustomed to familiar stories and facts so that they loose their effect. Because of that, I would like to give real life examples of expanded hearts to reacquaint us with the power of an expanded heart.

· The 26-year-old mother stared down at her son who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son’s dreams to come true. She took her son’s hand and asked, “Bopsy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be when you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish about what you would do with your life?” “Mommy, I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.” Mom smiled back and said, “Let’s see if we can make your wish come true.” Later that day she went to her local fire department in Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix. She explained her son’s final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her six-year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, “Look, we can do better than that. If you’ll have your son ready at seven o’clock Wednesday morning, we’ll make him an honorary fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And, if you’ll give us his sizes, we’ll get a real fire uniform made for him, with a real fire hat – not a toy one – with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear, and rubber boots. They’re all manufactured right here in Phoenix, so we can get them fast.” Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Bopsy, dressed him in his fire uniform and escorted him from his hospital to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Bopsy got to sit up on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Bopsy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the paramedics’ van and even the fire chief’s car. He was also videotaped for the local news program.Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Bopsy that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the Hospice concept that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Bopsy had spent as a fireman, so she called the fire chief and asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Bopsy as he made his transition. The chief replied, “We can do better than that. We’ll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire? It’s just the fire department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room? Thanks.” About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital, extended its ladder up to Bopsy’s third floor open window and 14 firemen and two firewomen climbed up the ladder into Bopsy’s room. With his mother’s permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they loved him. With his dying breath, Bopsy looked up at the fire chief and said, “Chief, am I really a fireman now?” “Bopsy, you are,” the chief said. With those words, Bopsy smiled and closed his eyes for the last time.^[2] That’s an expanded heart!

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^[1]Adapted from Ann Kiemel.

^[2]Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, Chicken Soup for the Soul.