True Repentance
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….Ā “Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret itāI see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little whileāyet 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.” 2 Corinthians 7:8,9 NIV
The Book of 2 Corinthians is not just another letter Paul wrote to this church; it is a follow up directly related to his first letter. His first letter is filled with correction from a heart of concern. We see Paul’s affection for this church when he says, “…I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.” (2 Corinthians 7:3 NIV) Here are some things we can observe…
TrueĀ repentanceĀ comes from Love not anger.Ā Paul’s letter of correction was not just berate or condemn. It was done out of his love and commitment. He desired that this church excel and not be hampered in its witness and effectiveness. Correction can come from anger; but it demeans more than motivates. It seems that malice is more the motive than concern. Refusing to correct can also reveal a lack of concern. There is either the unwillingness to address difficult issues or their is a disconnected posture that shows a lack of concern over the consequences of a behavior.
What we see in Paul’s attitude and concern can be applied to parenting. Paul sets a good model as a spiritual father for those who are parents. Correction, even when difficult and brings sorrow, is to be done desiring the best for a child and is motivated by love more than frustration of disappointment.
True repentance leads to life.Ā Correction is difficult to receive. There is sorrow and heartache. But the response will make or break an individual or in this situation a church. Paul says, “For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.Ā Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9,10 NIV)
The harm that comes when their is a lack of godly sorrow and repentance is self-inflicted. The Corinthians were focused on making corrections and showing that they were walking in the truth. This is how Paul described their response, “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…” (2 Corinthians 7:11 NIV)
True repentance brings joy and confidence. Consider Paul’s affirming words about this church that seemed to have some many failings.
“I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” (2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV)
“I had boasted to him [Titus] 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…..I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.” (2 Corinthians 7:14,16)
When we read the context of 2 Corinthians 7, we see that the letter of correction was not easy for Paul. He saw the sorrow it caused; but any regrets were erased when he saw their eager and mature response. As a result the relationship was stronger and the confidence in the church was greater.
Prayer for today…. Lord, may our corrections of others be filled with love and concern and the desire for full potential to be realized. When we receive words of correction, may our response be one of godly sorrow that brings life and peace.