2 Corinthians 7
In 2 Corinthians chapter 7, there are two responses that appear after Paul receives a letter sent to the Corinthian church: sorrow and repentance. This chapter first follows the exhortation from the latter part of chapter 6 (a life of being grounded in holiness and God’s covenant). Then it shows Paul worrying about the church’s situation and subsequently finding renewed joy. Paul introduces his meeting with Titus and the news of the Corinthians’ changed lives, and he truly comforts the church that was grieved because of the letter but ultimately turned toward repentance.
1verseHaving therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2verseOpen your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
3verseI say this not to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.
4verseGreat is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.
5verseFor even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside.
6verseNevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7verseand not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
8verseFor though I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you grieve, though just for a while.
9verseI now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.
10verseFor godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world produces death.
11verseFor behold, this same thing, that you were grieved in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vindication! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.
12verseSo although I wrote to you, I wrote not for his cause that did the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God.
13verseTherefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
14verseFor if in anything I have boasted to him on your behalf, I was not disappointed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.
15verseHis affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him.
16verseI rejoice that in everything I am confident concerning you.
Paul’s Heart and the Corinthians’ Response
Paul openly reveals his heart toward the Corinthians. In the earlier letter he rebuked them, but he praises them for truly grieving over his exhortation and turning back. He emphasizes that genuine sorrow ultimately leads to salvation, and he addresses the importance of repentance that changes people. Seeing the church restored, Paul confesses that he himself also received joy and comfort.
Genuine Sorrow and God’s Will
In chapter 7, the difference between “sorrow according to the will of God” and “worldly sorrow” is clearly distinguished. It is emphasized that sorrow coming from God leads to repentance and thus to change and salvation. By contrast, it mentions that worldly sorrow leads to despair and death. Through this distinction, it suggests what attitude believers should take when facing difficulties.
Meditation Points
- Take a moment to check whether the sadness or worry I experience is being led in the direction God wants.
- Let’s remember once again that the fruit of repentance that happens within the community can lead to joy and comfort.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- If I have fear or hesitation in admitting my wrongs and repenting, think about Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church and take one step forward.
- When I receive difficulty or correction, remember that it can become an opportunity to change me, and pray so that I can have a heart to receive it with gratitude and joy.
