2 Cor 7
Scripture:
[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.
Observation:
Paul felt bad at first, for calling the Corinthians out in their sin. But after thinking about it he was relieved in knowing that what he did was point to their sinful ways and explained the need for repentance. Paul, speaking the truth of Jesus Christ in love, caused them to grieve, leading to their repentance. That is a good reason for him to rejoice.
Application:
It is our responsibility to be obedient to God, and lovingly confront others with the truth of Jesus Christ. This is especially true as we hold other Christian brother and sisters accountable. Confronting with truth, in love, is not judgement, it is accountability. Accountability in the Lord.
We need to call our brothers and sisters out in their sin and expect them to do the same to us. In doing this, we aren’t seeking pleasure on our part, or trying to cause grief for others, except that the knowledge of being confronted with sin may help lead them to repentance.
Prayer:
Lord I love you and pray I glorify you in all I do. Help me confront my brothers and sisters with your truth in love. Lord I pray you show me your timing and give me words when I need them to share with confidence. In Jesus’ holy name I pray, amen