2 Corinthians 7
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 7
Chapter 7 is a story that speaks about Paul’s example as an apostle of Christ. Here, Paul is someone who is a role-model for what he did. Since the first epistle, Paul has written to tell the Corinthians off regarding their worldly attitude and inappropriate mannerisms as Believers of Christ and as a Church. Even right now, in this chapter, Paul was bold in his approach and is not afraid to tell the Corinthians to purify their hearts and to fear God (2 Cor 7:1).
Indeed, Paul did the right thing, and he is someone that we should also model after. From Paul’s example, we can see that sometimes it takes courage and a slight stint of boldness to speak the Truth from the scriptures to other believers, who may have gone astray for many different reasons.
Paul felt anxious and concerned in regard to that, and even regretted sending the epistle to the Corinthians to tell them the Truth (2 Cor 7:8). Nevertheless, the bible also said that Paul, on the contrary, did not regret because the effect of his letter to the Corinthians produced much impact. Thorough reformation and transformation among the Corinthians soon followed. The Corinthians finally repented, and this later brought joy and comfort to Paul (2 Cor 7:9-10).
By speaking the Truth to other believers, by chastising those who were led astray, and by bringing another person to repentance through ministry, is an act to strengthen the other person’s faith and relationship with the Lord. It not only brings them closer to believing in the True Gospel, but also strengthen the bonds of mutual attachment fostering love and unity as a body of Christ.
All these happen because of one’s obedience to the Lord to speak the Truth. There is no other way to bring people to repentance other than by presenting to them the simple and unvarnished Truth, like what Paul did.
“For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.”
— 2 Cor 7:8-9
Repentance is that state of mind which a view of the Truth in regard to our own depravity is suited to produce.