Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

13 September 2025

Reading From II Corinthians 6

“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.”

—II Corinthians 6:11-13

     The widest heart is the heart of our Savior, Christ Jesus.  Think of His example.  He loved those who others considered unlovable as when He delivered and healed the man tortured with a legion of demons.  He loved those who disagreed with Him, taking the time to process through their questions like He did with Nicodemos that night.  He loved those who had made horrible mistakes telling them, “You are forgiven.  Go and sin no more.”  He loved those hated Him.  He loved those who were different than Him which was modeled by His compassionate conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well.  He even loved those who killed Him saying, “Father, forgive them.  They know not what they do.”

     Jesus loves the whole world and Jesus loves YOU.  Open your heart to Him.  Allow His love to wash over you and fill you to the uttermost.  When you experience the love of God, He gives you a wider heart; a genuine love for human beings no matter their background, ethnicity, gender, or whatever might make them “other.”  God extends grace upon grace, mercy upon mercy, love upon love unto you.  Go and extend grace, mercy and love to others.  Widen your heart.

“Lord God, I pray that You would soften my heart and widen it.  May I love as You showed me how to love during Your earthly ministry.  Open my eyes to opportunities to express Your love to others.  You fill me up and my cup runneth over.  Amen.”

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.  That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. –John 3:16

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.—John 13:35