Abide Together: Reflections on 2 Corinthians 7-8

In 2nd Corinthians 7 Paul speaks of how he made them sorrowful due to his loving rebuke of their sin and their allowance of unrepentant sin to flourish in the church (1 Corinthians 5). He says that he does not regret making them sorrowful but instead in verse 9 he writes, “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.”  Paul loved them enough tell them the truth and call them to turn from their sin, so that they would not suffer the consequences of their sin.  If believers really love each other, they will lovingly confront each other.  Lord, no matter how hard it is,  may I lovingly reprove those in sin – so that they will not incur greater consequences in their life.  Also, send oddly men into my live to lovingly reprove me.

In 2nd Corinthians 8 Paul exhorts the church of Corinth to give toward the work of the ministry as they promised they would.  He used the churches of Macedonia as an example of God honoring giving.  Their giving was motivated by grace, done in faith, generous, proportionate, voluntary and sacrificial. Lord, by Your grace may I give toward the work of the ministry as You have so graciously given to me.

– Bryan McKenzie