“There is no restriction
On our affections,
But only in yours.”
οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, στενοχωρεῖσθε δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν·
Paul said that there was no restriction (οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε) on his (ἐν ἡμῖν) affections (δὲ ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις) for them, but only a restriction (στενοχωρεῖσθε) on their part (ὑμῶν). Only this Corinthian letter used this word στενοχωρεῖσθε, that means to be made narrow, to compress, press upon, cramp, or restrain. Paul said that he loved the Corinthians. He put no restrictions on his affections for them. However, they seemed to not reciprocate. They were the ones putting restrictions on their affections for him. He had not caused this rift between him and them. They were the ones who caused this problem. Who causes problems in your life?