2 Corinthians 7 -- Encouragement During Church Reconciliation

In my commentary, this short little chapter is labeled, "An Appeal For Reconciliation".  They are wonderful words as our own church goes through this process.

"The emphasis in this section is on the way God encouraged Paul after he had experienced such great trials in Asia and Troas."  That seems to fit nicely with where we all need encouraging right now.

"Paul encouraged the church:  Why is it so difficult to assure people of our love?  What more could Paul do to convince them? ... He was boasting of them to others, but they were criticizing him ... now there was an opportunity to mend the fences and restore fellowship."

"Titus encouraged Paul:  Paul was encouraged by the report that Titus gave of his reception at Corinth.  They had read Paul's painful letter and had repented of their sins and disciplined the members who had created the problem ... Their repentance was not merely a passing regret; it was a true godly sorrow for sin.  Godly sorrow brings repentance... Do Christians need to repent?  Jesus said that we do ... To repent simply means to change one's mind, and disobedient Christians need to repent, not in order to be saved, but in order to restore their close fellowship with God."

"The Corinthians encouraged Titus:  They went to great lengths to do the will of God ... One of the most difficult things to do is to rebuild a shattered relationship ... they can be repaired and strengthened only when people face problems honestly, deal with them biblically and lovingly, and seek to get right with God.  As you and I examine our own lives, we must determine to be a part of the answer and not a part of the problem.  We must show appreciation, practice separation, and encourage reconciliation if God is to use us to restore broken relationships."

Father, do this in our church.  Help me to be a part of the answer and not a part of the problem.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford