No Wider Than the Heart Is Wide

Yesterday, we reflected on 2 Corinthians 6:11–12, where the Apostle Paul writes, “We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return… open wide your hearts also.”

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to meet church historian Martin Marty when he came as a keynote speaker to a Festival of Faith at our church in Sarasota. I remember being captivated by him. Some time later, he wrote an article for Christian Century magazine about losing his beloved wife, Elsa, to cancer. It was a traumatic and difficult time—a true test of faith. In the article, he wrote:

We take our friends for granted in daily life, but when daily life disintegrates, their sustenance guards and guides our very being.

He concluded with this:

Back in my pastoral years I resolved to have nothing to do with theologies that have nothing to say to people waiting for verdicts in surgical waiting rooms. Now I add a new resolve: to have nothing to do with ‘go-it-alone’ religiosities…

Those of you who have gone through a difficult time and been supported by family, friends, or a church family know exactly what he’s talking about. Not that being in community is easy—it really isn’t.

Paul knew this firsthand. People may disappoint us. They may let us down. They may not share our opinions or worldview—or our politics. They might not return our affections. They may step on our toes, say unkind things, or break our hearts. Paul certainly experienced his share of that. But still, he pleads with them: Our hearts are wide open to you—open wide your hearts also.

I love the way Edna St. Vincent Millay puts it:

The world stands out on either side
No wider than the heart is wide;
Above the world is stretched the sky,
No higher than the soul is high.

Let us pray: God of Love, in Jesus Christ you walked among us. We thank you for your incarnate love. We also thank you today for the people you have brought into our lives—for neighbors, friends, family, our church family, and others who walk the journey with us. We pray today especially for those who feel lonely. May they know your presence and love even now. Grant us your grace, your patience, your forgiveness, and your love—that we might be better friends to those we love, and better able to reach out to those who need us most. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.