Find a Reason to Rejoice
2 Corinthians 7:5-16
Memory Verse: And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5
As of this writing, my wife has been away from home about three weeks. She has been staying with her dad as he recovers from surgery. We have had numerous text message conversations as well as a few phone calls. This morning we tried out another method of communication called Google talk. From an Internet connection to her phone along with an Internet connection to my computer, we carried on a conversation by typing messages back and forth in real time. Communication channels have certainly expedited many things in our lives. As you read the text for today, I believe you will sense a longing in Paul’s heart to know of his continuing relationship with the Corinthians. Had he been able to pick up the phone and call the Corinthians, he would have likely worked out the differences in a matter of hours. As it was for him, it was likely a matter of weeks which probably turned into months.
At the heart of today’s reading is the subject of comfort. We know that Paul was distressed over the situation at Corinth and the strong nature of his previous correspondence with them because good news through Titus serves him with comfort. Imagine that you were separated from someone dear to your heart and you had to write them a letter of reprimand due to their actions. You cannot call them on the phone and you cannot visit them. You simply write the letter and wait for a response. When the response comes and you find out those who are dear to you have responded positively to your reprimand and even express their continued love for you, the experience of comfort would fill your heart.
Paul’s greatest comfort came from two pieces of news delivered by Titus. The first one is mentioned in verse 7 and concerns the continued feelings the Corinthians have for him. There is never total assurance a relationship will be maintained when one party has found it necessary to confront the other about some behavior. Paul was comforted to know they had not lost their fondness of him. Verses 8-12 outline the second reason Paul was comforted which included their positive reception of his rebuke which brought them to repentance and a continuing journey with Christ. One of the great concerns of Paul’s life was to see the churches he planted walking in obedience to Christ in the power of the Gospel.
Let us learn lessons in confronting those we love. First remember that any confrontation must be done from a heart of love and compassion for that person and the Gospel. Confrontation from a legalist approach will usually cause more harm than good. Second, make the confrontation as expeditious as possible. Paul was hindered by the lack of communication channels. Face to face is always the best but
not always available. Third, the confrontation must be carried out with the goal of a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Perhaps you have strained relationship with a friend or family member that you need to work on right now. Let Paul’s encouragement spur you on to handle the situation quickly with great hope.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and/or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
