Acts 16:14; 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 - - Open Hearts

Did you know that the first convert to Christianity in Europe was a business woman? Lydia was a merchant who sold purple cloth--a luxury item of the day. Prior to hearing the Good News about Christ, she was one who "worshiped God."

Acts 16 says that as Paul was preaching, "the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying." (Acts 16:14, New Living Translation, 2015)

Lydia herself also opened another door--the door of her house--to host Paul and the group that was traveling with him. (v.15)

Not everyone was that open to Paul's message. He loved the church at Corinth, but they were a troublesome group. They struggled with their own in-fighting, sexual immorality, and confusion over multiple issues. Guilt, fear, doubt... any number of things had created a self-protective barrier around their hearts.

Paul tried to give them solid training: in Christian belief, in godly living, in how to love (as in the Love Chapter of 1 Corinthians 13). They weren't exactly receptive. He wrote:

"11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. 13 I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!"  (2 Corinthians 6:11–13, NLT)

We shouldn't be vulnerable to anyone and everyone about everything in life (Proverbs 4:23). At the same time, for truth to be shared, for love to be shared, both parties have to be open and vulnerable.

Father, First and foremost we want our hearts to be completely open and vulnerable to You. Once you've opened our hearts in that way, we trust you in opening our hearts to others--and vice versa--as you see fit, to share the truth and love of Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Quel cuore da proteggere" ("That heart to protect," sticker graffiti by Zed1. Florence, 2021)