|
The Ministry of Reconciliation
7:1-2
1Since
we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from
everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness
out of reverence for God.
Paul's
Joy 7:2-16
2
Make
room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have
corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3
I
do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have
such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4
I
have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am
greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
5
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." |
