Monitoring Access

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. II Corinthians 7:2 (KJV) emphasis mine

The phrase Paul uses here, “receive us” speaks of making room in our hearts for people. As Christians, we must be cautious about the people we allow to have access to us. Additionally, we must be certain that we are behaving in a manner that would grant us access to the lives of other believers. This verse gives a guide about the wrong type of person to permit access: those who have wronged, corrupted, or defrauded others.

To wrong someone means to act unrighteously towwards someone. The Lord expects us to treat others right; the same way we expect to be treated. We receive those who treat us right and we can logically expect others to receive us based on right behavior.

To corrupt someone means to bring to or to encourage others to get into a worse state. When people encounter us, they should leave better off. We should strive to make others better, to bring them to an improved state spiritually, soulishly, and physically. When others meet us, they should be glad they encountered us. Our positive impact on them should show. We are received when we are a good influence on others, and that is type of person we should receive.

To defraud means to take advantage of another, often using someone’s weakness or their weakened state to do so. Defrauding includes dishonestly and deceit. Obviously, we must be honest and upright in our dealing and we should expect those we receive to be the same way.

These are good, basic guidelines for solid relationships, whether personal, business, or whatever. In all we do, we should avoid wronging, corrupting, and defrauding people. And we should keep such people at arm’s length from us.