2 Corinthians 7:2-11
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 spoken to you with great
frankness; 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, we 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.
2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (NIV)
Paul wrote, “If I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. .
. . because your sorrow led you to repentance.”
We have all been criticized and know that it is rarely a
pleasant experience. However, when properly delivered, even criticism can be
beneficial and productive. The apostle Paul had detractors who criticized him
to the church at Corinth. They claimed Paul was uncaring, untrustworthy, and
unqualified. As a result, Paul defended his ministry. He tells us in today’s
reading that he realized his words hurt his audience. Although we tend to
discourage actions that cause others discomfort, Paul affirms that criticism
can sometimes be necessary. However, it is helpful for us to remember that the
purpose of good criticism is not to hurt people but for their correction and
growth.
Thought for today:
How do I receive criticism?
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