Making Room for Love
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God… Make room in your hearts for us… I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” 2 Corinthians 7:1-2, 4b
The Apostle Paul’s heart was big not because he was naturally outgoing, but because he made room for God’s love. This love, far more than a fleeting emotion, is the very nature of God, seeking the highest good for others, even at great personal cost. Paul’s life shows us that to know this love, we must make room in our hearts for Christ and His people. But what does this look like in our daily lives?
First, we must be freshly cleansed by the Savior. Paul urges the Corinthians to “cleanse ourselves from every defilement,” not to earn salvation, but to experience God’s nearness.
Sin clogs our hearts, blocking the joy of His presence. Like a child running to a loving Father, we confess our sins, trusting His promise to forgive and restore (1 John 1:9). When we prioritize reverence for God over worldly desires, we open our hearts to His transforming love, which overflows into our relationships.
Second, we must be fully committed to the saints. Paul pleads, “Make room in your hearts for us," despite the Corinthians’ wavering loyalty. His commitment wasn’t based on their perfection but on God’s love written on his heart.
Loving others doesn’t mean giving everyone the same level of trust or intimacy—Jesus Himself had closer bonds with some disciples, like Peter, James, and John. Intimacy requires time, trust, and spiritual maturity. Paul’s corrective letter led to repentance, which restored closeness (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
We can love and encourage everyone, but deeper relationships demand mutual accountability and growth. Trust is earned, and not everyone gets a “key to our apartment.”
Finally, we must be a fortifying comfort to the sorrowful. Paul’s exhaustion in Macedonia was met with God’s comfort through Titus, who brought news of the Corinthians’ renewed zeal (v. 5-7). When we make room for others, even in inconvenience, God uses us to deliver His comfort. A kind word, a listening ear, or a prayer can lift a weary soul. As we share in Christ’s sufferings, we also share in His comfort (2 Corinthians 1:5), becoming channels of His love.
Making room for God’s love doesn’t mean we open our hearts recklessly. We love generously but discern wisely, reserving deeper intimacy for relationships built on trust and repentance. Paul didn’t write off the Corinthians despite their failures; instead, he believed in their potential for renewal. Similarly, God’s love calls us to stay committed to His people, not for what they are now, but for what they can become through Christ.
The Apostle Paul’s heart was big not because he was naturally outgoing, but because he made room for God’s love. This love, far more than a fleeting emotion, is the very nature of God, seeking the highest good for others, even at great personal cost. Paul’s life shows us that to know this love, we must make room in our hearts for Christ and His people. But what does this look like in our daily lives?
First, we must be freshly cleansed by the Savior. Paul urges the Corinthians to “cleanse ourselves from every defilement,” not to earn salvation, but to experience God’s nearness.
Sin clogs our hearts, blocking the joy of His presence. Like a child running to a loving Father, we confess our sins, trusting His promise to forgive and restore (1 John 1:9). When we prioritize reverence for God over worldly desires, we open our hearts to His transforming love, which overflows into our relationships.
Second, we must be fully committed to the saints. Paul pleads, “Make room in your hearts for us," despite the Corinthians’ wavering loyalty. His commitment wasn’t based on their perfection but on God’s love written on his heart.
Loving others doesn’t mean giving everyone the same level of trust or intimacy—Jesus Himself had closer bonds with some disciples, like Peter, James, and John. Intimacy requires time, trust, and spiritual maturity. Paul’s corrective letter led to repentance, which restored closeness (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
We can love and encourage everyone, but deeper relationships demand mutual accountability and growth. Trust is earned, and not everyone gets a “key to our apartment.”
Finally, we must be a fortifying comfort to the sorrowful. Paul’s exhaustion in Macedonia was met with God’s comfort through Titus, who brought news of the Corinthians’ renewed zeal (v. 5-7). When we make room for others, even in inconvenience, God uses us to deliver His comfort. A kind word, a listening ear, or a prayer can lift a weary soul. As we share in Christ’s sufferings, we also share in His comfort (2 Corinthians 1:5), becoming channels of His love.
Making room for God’s love doesn’t mean we open our hearts recklessly. We love generously but discern wisely, reserving deeper intimacy for relationships built on trust and repentance. Paul didn’t write off the Corinthians despite their failures; instead, he believed in their potential for renewal. Similarly, God’s love calls us to stay committed to His people, not for what they are now, but for what they can become through Christ.
Living it out
Let’s put this into practice today. Cleanse your heart by confessing any sin that hinders your closeness with God, asking Him to fill you with His love. Reflect on your relationships—are you loving generously while reserving deeper trust for those showing spiritual maturity?
Consider how repentance has restored a relationship in your life. Finally, reach out to someone who needs encouragement with a small act of kindness, trusting God to use you as His comfort.
Making room for God’s love transforms us into vessels of His grace. As we stay cleansed, committed, and comforting, we reflect the heart of Christ, who loves without limit but calls us to walk in wisdom. Let’s make room for Him today and watch His love spill over into every corner of our lives.
Consider how repentance has restored a relationship in your life. Finally, reach out to someone who needs encouragement with a small act of kindness, trusting God to use you as His comfort.
Making room for God’s love transforms us into vessels of His grace. As we stay cleansed, committed, and comforting, we reflect the heart of Christ, who loves without limit but calls us to walk in wisdom. Let’s make room for Him today and watch His love spill over into every corner of our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love that seeks my highest good. Cleanse my heart from sin and fill me with your presence. Help me love others generously, discerning when to trust and when to guard my heart. Use me to comfort those who are hurting, and may your love overflow through me for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dive Deeper
To explore this topic further, listen to my sermon, “Making Room for Love.”