II Corinthians 7:1-16
Today’s reading, in one word: JOY!! I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. (v. 4b) And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. (v. 13) I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you. (v. 16) In addition, the word “rejoice” appears also in verses 7 and 9 and the word “comfort” appears seven times, in verses 4, 6, 7, and 13.
Paul has joy and is comforted when Titus brings word of the Corinthians’ positive response to his (Titus’) visit and of their acceptance of Paul’s chastisement of them in one of his lost letters – that their grief and sorrow led to repentance and re-acceptance of Paul’s position in their lives. And Titus has joy at being so well received by the Corinthians as he was headed to them on the heels of Paul’s stern letter. They received him warmly – that alone would have made Titus joyful. But then when he heard them tell of their repentance, he was made even more joyful. So he left there in high spirits as he went north to meet Paul in Macedonia. And again, I imagine Titus’ personal joy in delivering the good news report of his time in Corinth. All in all, joy all around!!
But what does that say to us? First, there is joy in being well received by anyone on any occasion, whether previously known to us or not. So when we are receiving someone, our first response should be joy in their visitation. Second, there is joy in seeing hearts turned from wrongdoing to repentance. While it is not common that we very often will see the fruits of repentance in others’ lives, there will be joy in others’ hearts when we report of our own repentance. Third, there is joy in someone’s heart when he or she can be the bearer of good news. So let me be joyful in this moment – in case you have not heard, Samuel has accepted a position as senior Pastor in a Methodist church in Peru, Indiana. He and his family will be a couple hundred miles from us, but that’s only a three-hour drive. YAY, Samuel and Christianah, JOY!! Finally, there is joy in someone receiving good news. I trust that those of you reading this note are truly joyful at Samuel’s news, especially if you are hearing it for the first time. Again, JOY!!
There is bountiful JOY in the Lord, so long as we are seeking Him in our own lives and in all our interactions with others. GLORY!!
Slava Bohu!
Yes, joy! I was struck by v. 5, so much like our week: disputes without (everywhere!) and fears within (COVID, racial tensions). For our consolation: comfort, strength, encouragement, and yes, joy!