2 Corinthians 12:14; I Seek Not Yours But You

2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

The Apostle Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth is well-explained here. He is as a parent to them seeking their interest, serving for their good and spiritual advancement as Solomon says in Proverbs 13:22a A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children… Although he was not physically present with them. His care for them was not diminished by their physical distance apart.

He gave the analogy of the parents’ love for their children. It is almost instinctive for parents to look after the interest of their children. Such is his devotion toward them. And therefore, he was writing this long love letter to exhort them as to the wherewithal of their well-being. And as good parents do, they will not want to be a burden to their children rather be a blessing. He was referring to the point that he did not receive financial support from them so as not to burden them. It is the father’s heart.

The home is the principle unit that forms the church. It is his prayer that the church will be blessed with the Christian father’s love.

A Christian Home

O give us homes built firm upon the Savior,
Where Christ is Head and Counsellor and Guide;
Where ev’ry child is taught His love and favor
And gives his heart to Christ the crucified:
How sweet to know that tho his footsteps waver
His faithful Lord is walking by his side!

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;
A home where each finds joy in serving others,
And love still shines, tho days be dark and grim.

O give us homes where Christ is Lord and Master,
The Bible read, the precious hymns still sung;
Where pray’r comes first in peace or is disaster,
And praise is natural speech to ev’ry tongue;
Where mountains move before a faith that’s vaster,
And Christ sufficient is for old and young.

O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!
We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;
Their bonds of love no enemy can sever
If Thou art always Lord and Master there:
Be Thou the center of our least endeavor –
Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.

Amen.