2 Corinthians 10:12-14 English Standard Version
12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
While looking into the value of being somewhat proud these passages appeared. Boasting has it limits but also has its purpose. Paul lists one limit here which is important and that is in the area of assigned influence. The term overextending might be seen as not going too far and yet going just far enough to reach some who might accept the gospel for the first time.
It is interesting that this applies to first contact for if we seek to talk to the lost we might find that we were not the first to approach them. If those who came before us did not plant the seed on fertile ground, it is an opportunity to have a discussion about what happened during and after the first seeding.
Two issues come to mind about their first encounter. What seed was offered and what was the condition of the soil? If their hearts were prepared to receive and the wrong gospel was presented, this is an opportunity to discuss why they rejected that first seeding. If it was the right seed and the wrong time, then the conversation shifts to what has happened in their lives after that first seeding.
What is important in “bring it” is our recognition of their condition, their thoughts and influences and experiences that might show some cracks in the soil where some watering may need to be done.