2 Corinthians 6.2–13

2 For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."
I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation

3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

What motivates your actions? Is your life focused on money, comfort, entertainment, acceptance, and pleasure? It is easy to slip into a self-centered lifestyle without even noticing it. After all, the world will not usually question a person living life for selfish reasons. It is not at all strange to live selfishly. However, our God is worthy of more. Paul reminds us that we should live our lives with others’ spiritual journeys in mind. We must examine our actions and make sure that our lives bring people toward the Kingdom of God instead of pushing them away. This will mean that we must make sacrifices. However, God will fill us with joy when we live according to his Spirit. Open your hearts wide to those around you! There is much more to Jesus’ death than individual salvation. There are millions of people who are living in eternity’s lobby. Let us live in a way that encourages them to move toward God!