2 Cor 7:5-16 (NIV) For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
8 Even 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— 9 yet 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. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See 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. 12 So 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. 13 By 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. 14 I 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. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
NOTE: Paul is extremely joyful because of the response of the church to a very harsh letter now lost. It hurts when your children, physical or spiritual, make poor choices. And there is no greater joy than seeing them repent and make correct choices. I pray that for my own children. That they would learn to seek God with all of their heart, and that they would learn that what this world offers is not worth the sweat it costs. But knowing God is worth every penny and then more.
Some people wonder how a good God can allow evil in the world. I would offer, how can a good God not allow evil. Evil is a reminder of our rebellion and the only hope that we might turn from our selfish course and pursue God, who created Eden, but has let us experience this life in order that we would repent of our rebellion and return to him. Evil is the proof that life is not the way that God intended, nor the way to a relationship with God that will completely fulfill a person. If God was to take away every evil action or result, what we would learn, what would we do? The one thing it would not do is cause us to seek Him. It didn't work in the garden, it won't work today.
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