2 Corinthians 7:2–9 (ESV) —
2 Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear 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 with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
NOTE: Paul was not trying to destroy them in his correction or cause them to be overly ashamed every time he saw them. He loved them, and he had no greater joy than to hear his children walked in the truth (the verse in my mind is actually John's, but Paul felt similarly).
PAUL: 1 Thess 2:19–20 (ESV) — 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.
JOHN: 3 John 4 (ESV) — 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
This whole ordeal was emotionally painful for Paul. Relationships do seem to bring the most pain in life. Why? Because God has made us relational creatures, it is part of being made in the image of the triune God.
Titus' return brought great comfort and relief. But why did Paul write these words since the issue appears to have resolved itself? I think Paul wanted to make sure they understood his pain as well, that they were not the only ones who suffered because of his rebuke. In love, these things are very difficult and hard.
I remember a personal rebuke by a mentor, … well more than one over the years by other mentors -- but the first one as a Christian, it hurt. I think it took three days to get over my anger and bitterness toward my mentor. But he was right. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how foolish and stupid I looked. I could have run away, but I didn't. And that person is still one of my close friends today. I am so glad he took the time and the pain to confront me. I have had to rebuke a few persons over the years. Every single situation was painful, and the other person did not always respond well. But the key is to do the right thing and to love the person.
PONDER:
How do I respond to someone challenging my motives or actions? Am I quick to justify myself? Or am I willing to go to God and ask him if the thing is true?
Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV) —
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
PRAYER: Father, I thank you for the people you have placed in my life. I thank you that they had the courage to challenge my actions. I am sorry for how I initially responded. I repent of my sin. I thank you that each of these individuals are still very close friends today.
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