2 Corinthians 6:12 – “We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is continuing his heartfelt plea to the Corinthians. He has just told them in verse 11 that he and his fellow workers have “opened wide our hearts” to them. Now, he points out that the problem is not on his side—he has shown them love and openness, but they have closed off their hearts to him.

1. “We are not withholding our affection from you” – Paul is reassuring them that he has not held back his love, care, and commitment to them. His ministry among them was not cold or distant—he had poured out his heart for them.
2. “But you are withholding yours from us” – Paul is gently confronting them. While he had been completely open with them, they had closed themselves off from him. Their attitude was one of distance, distrust, or resistance, rather than warmth and acceptance.

Paul’s goal is not to shame them but to encourage them to respond with the same love and openness that he has shown. He wants reconciliation, not division.

Historical Context

Paul had invested deeply in the Corinthian church.

• He founded the church and spent 18 months teaching them (Acts 18:1-18).
• After leaving, he kept in contact, writing letters and sending fellow workers like Timothy to check on them.
• The Corinthians, however, had been influenced by false teachers who tried to turn them against Paul.
• Some Corinthians doubted Paul’s sincerity, while others resisted his correction and authority.

Paul had never stopped loving them, but their hearts had grown cold toward him—possibly because they were ashamed of their sins or were listening to the wrong voices.

By writing this, Paul is inviting them to drop their defenses and restore the relationship.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several spiritual truths:

1. Love must be both given and received – Paul had given his love freely, but the Corinthians needed to respond for the relationship to be whole.
2. Sin and false influences can harden hearts – Their resistance to Paul may have come from pride, sin, or listening to false teachers.
3. Healthy Christian relationships require openness – Paul models how Christian leaders and believers should interact—with sincerity, love, and honesty.
4. God calls us to restore broken relationships – Rather than walking away from them, Paul pursued reconciliation.

This verse is a reminder that closing our hearts to truth and love is dangerous, both spiritually and relationally.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s sentence structure emphasizes contrast:

• “We are not withholding our affection from you” – Paul and his fellow ministers are fully open.
• “But you are withholding yours from us” – The Corinthians are holding back their love and trust.

Paul’s tone is not harsh, but pleading. He is inviting them to realize the barrier they have created and to remove it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (The Corinthians were guarding their hearts, but in the wrong way—by shutting Paul out.)
• 2 Corinthians 7:2 – “Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one.” (Paul continues this plea for restored relationship.)
• 1 John 4:19-20 – “We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” (Love must be received and shared.)
• Galatians 4:16 – “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Paul often faced rejection for speaking truth.)
• Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Christian relationships should be built on mutual love and honor.)

These verses reinforce the idea that love must be both expressed and received for relationships to thrive.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people today struggle with withholding their hearts from others, whether out of fear, past hurt, or pride. This verse challenges believers to:

1. Examine their hearts – Are you closing yourself off to relationships God has placed in your life?
2. Be willing to reconcile – If a Christian brother or sister has shown love, but you have pulled away, consider how you can restore that relationship.
3. Be open to spiritual leaders – Sometimes we resist correction, just as the Corinthians resisted Paul. Are you rejecting wise counsel because it is uncomfortable?
4. Love as Paul loved – Are you willing to love even when people don’t return it immediately?

This verse reminds us that love is a two-way street, and for relationships to flourish, both sides must be open.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Paul’s love for the Corinthians mirrors God’s love for His people.

• God has never withheld His love – He has fully opened His heart to us through Jesus.
• Many people resist His love – Like the Corinthians, people often hold back from fully embracing God’s truth and love.
• God invites us to open our hearts to Him – Just as Paul pleads with the Corinthians, God is always calling people to return to Him (Revelation 3:20).

This verse reminds us that God is not distant—people are the ones who close their hearts to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of open-hearted love:

• He spoke truth openly – Jesus never hid His love or message, even when people rejected Him (John 18:37).
• He was rejected despite His love – Many refused to accept His message, just as the Corinthians resisted Paul (John 1:11).
• He calls people to respond – Jesus invites everyone to open their hearts to Him (Matthew 11:28).

Paul’s plea to the Corinthians is similar to Jesus’ invitation to sinners: “I have loved you openly—now will you open your heart to Me?”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there relationships in your life where you have “withheld your heart” from someone who loves you?
2. Have you ever resisted wise counsel because of pride or fear? How can you be more open?
3. What are some ways you can show open-hearted love to others, even if they have hurt you?
4. Have you fully opened your heart to God, or are there areas where you are still holding back?
5. How can you be more like Paul (and Jesus) in loving others, even when they are distant or resistant?