Sunday, November 1, 2009
2 Corinthians 7:8-16
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13By all this we are encouraged.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Quick Notes
Sometimes, we have to tell people things the way they are. More times than not, we do not do it for the right reasons. But sometimes, probably less than we would like to admit, we have the responsibility to tell people when they are doing things that are unfitting for followers of Jesus. This is rarely easy, but the self examination that occurs afterward gives the opportunity for repentance and reconciliation.
Quick Questions
How many times has someone told you something you don't like, but needed to hear? How many times have you told someone something they needed to hear?
Quick Prayer
Almighty God, may our minds and our hearts be open to hear the truth and be changed by it. Amen.
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