2 Corinthians 7 reminds me of a short note I wrote to my mom during a very painful time in our life. I was a teenager expressing anger at the damage she was doing to herself. Decades later I learned that she kept that note all those years. A note written in sorrow perhaps contributed to transformation. Today’s lesson is about sobering up. The prior chapter referenced God’s desire for intimacy with His people, Israel. God promised “I will be a Father to you”. Chapter 7 begins, “Therefore, since we have these promises… let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit… out of reverence for God”. Reverence for God creates a desire to honor His creation. Paul’s point is that God’s promises are always kept. Paul taught God’s Word to help people see God’s truth for themselves, “We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one”. Just as sin harms those closest to us, restoration brings them the greatest joy, “I take great pride in you… my joy knows no bounds”. Understand that Paul did not know how they would receive his “sorrow letter”.
One person’s downward spiral can suck other people in too. Paul spoke about his time away from these Corinthians, “no rest… harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within”. Paul adds two words that can change everything, “But God”. Paul says that God “comforts the downcast”. Through a friend named Titus, Paul heard what was happening back home. Perhaps after re-reading his letter, they realized it was written out of love for them. Imagine Paul’s relief when he heard about the church’s “longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me”. He says, “my joy was greater than ever”.
Paul ends with the hindsight of time. “if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it… because your sorrow led you to repentance”. Kicking bad habits can be an impossible task on our own. Sometimes we have to ponder the damage before accepting the need. Paul explains, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”. The intervention of God’s Holy Spirit has the power to save both today and for eternity. He continues, “godly sorrow has produced in you… earnestness …eagerness… indignation… alarm…longing… concern… readiness to see justice done”. Full life means we face suppressed feelings and fears and come out from hiding. We become able accept our past, and embrace our present. Paul is bursting with pride for this church, “At every point you have proved yourselves”. Transformation requires us to first see ourselves “before God”, that is, see our true sinful self. The chapter ends with a word for those who believe that nothing will change. Paul describes the joy of learning that the rumors were true. He uses words like “encouraged… delighted… refreshed”. The most powerful statement to me is, “you have not embarrassed me”. How amazing to be able to say, “I can have complete confidence in you”. I have seen His power to transform a life. My friend, is there someone you have given up on? I have a short note for you; But God!