<p>8:24 <i>Therefore show them in the presence of the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf</i>- Paul dealt with a very difficult situation in Corinth by being totally open hearted, when his natural sense must have been to be very cagey with them (2 Cor. 6:11). Indeed, some of his most revealing autobiographical passages are found in 2 Corinthians, as he opens his heart to them. And he encouraged them to likewise <i>openly show before the ecclesias</i> their love for others (2 Cor. 8:24 s.w.). He surely had in mind the Lord&rsquo;s teaching that our light should shine before others, because all things will ultimately be brought into the open (Lk. 8:16,17). This doesn&rsquo;t just refer to preaching; it refers to an open shining out of whatever spirituality we have, to everyone.</p>