2 Corinthians 7:5-16

"For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more. For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God. For this reason we have been comforted.
      And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you".
2 Corinthians 7:5-16

Here is the impetus for this 2nd letter to the Corinthians. Paul has finally connected with Titus and has been informed of the community's response to Paul's teachings...and his first letter.

Possibly the most important lesson in this passage is the reminder that the truths of the Gospel do not always go down easy. Many of these truths are difficult to teach and just as difficult to receive. Paul understood this and it caused him a great deal of unrest while he waited to hear from Titus.

But...these truths need to be told.

Like "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except through me" (John 14:6). Or..."all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And..."unless you repent, you will perish" (Luke 13:3).

Harsh words, very exclusive. In fact...a bit too elitist for some people to accept. Many of us would prefer to "tone down the rhetoric" because it's too confrontational.

It's a risk Paul was willing to take although it hurt him to cause sorrow in the Corinthian church. Yet, he says  "I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance...for the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation". What is the probability that Paul's preaching would have produced repentance (and salvation) if he had "soft-pedaled" the truth?

Exactly...

So we should remind ourselves that standing on the claims of Christ can be difficult...and cost us friends. Yet, it's the only way we know for certain that people can be given the opportunity to enjoy an eternal relationship with God.

Live boldly out there today...