2 Corinthians 6:12

12 We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way.

2 Corinthians 6:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 6:12

Ye are not straitened in us
The meaning of which is, either you are not brought into straits and difficulties by us; we do not afflict and distress you, or fill you with anguish and trouble;

but ye are straitened in your own bowels;
you are distressed by some among yourselves, who ought not to be with you, with whom you should have no fellowship and communion: or thus, you have room enough in our hearts, our hearts are so enlarged with love to you, that they are large enough to hold you all; an expression, setting forth the exceeding great love, and strong affection the apostle bore to the Corinthians; when, on the other hand, they had but very little love to him comparatively; he had a heart to hold them all without being straitened for room; and among all them they could scarce find room enough in their hearts and affections for him.

2 Corinthians 6:12 In-Context

10 immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.
11 Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life.
12 We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way.
13 I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!
14 Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.