Key Verse: “Godly sorry produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV)
Reflection: (2 Corinthians 7:5)
Here Paul resumed the story that he left in 2 Corinthians 2:13, where he said he went to Macedonia to look for Titus.
Though Paul had many problems and hardships yet to face, he still found comfort and joy in the progress of the ministry.
Reflection: (2 Corinthians 7:8)
“That severe letter” refers to the third letter (now lost) that Paul had written to the Corinthians.
Apparently it had caused the people to begin to change.
(For an explanation of the chronology of Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth, see 2 Corinthians 1:1)
Reflection: (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Sorrow for our sins can result in changed behavior.
Many people are sorry only to the effects of their sins or for being caught (“sorrow” “which lacks repentance”)
Compare Peter’s remorse and repentance with Judas’s bitterness and act of suicide.
Both denied Christ.
One repented and was restored to faith and service; the other took his own life.
Reflection: (2 Corinthians 7:11)
Paul affirmed the Corinthians for their right response to the correction he had given them.
It’s difficult to accept criticism, correction, or rebuke with poise and grace.
It is much more natural to be defensive and then counterattack.
We can accept criticism with self-pity, thinking we don’t really deserve it.
We can be angry and resentful.
But a mature Christian should graciously accept constructive criticism, sincerely evaluate it, and grow from it.