The BibleGateway commentaries point to Paul asking the Corinthians to open their hearts to him as he has to them. I've heard something like this dynamic discussed once before when Dr Choung visited and asked us to support & encourage Pastor Ben. He emphasized that a pastor needs to keep minstering from "his overflow" and continually be rejuvenated and replenished.
It's our way of "taking care" of our shepherd.
This past Saturday while Karen took Elliott skiing, I took Colby inner-tubing at Snoqualmie. I went down the hills with him, since he's a small guy and would be scared to go down by himself. On one run, my weight was displaced to one side and I felt myself tipping the tube over. So I let go and fell off while the tube slid off. Still in the inner tube, Colby, with a scared and confused look, watched me as he continued to glide down the rest of the hill. I got back up and hooked our tube back onto the tow rope and we rode the way back up the hill. Partways up, he stood up and hugged onto me. I laughed and asked him why. He said, "I hold you, so you don't fall down!"
For little moments like that, I feel like I can deal with any amount of bed-wetting, tantrums, etc. I hope all pastors (including my own highly-valued shepherd, PB) get renewed by their own little moments.
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