devotional post # 2184

2 Corinthians 7:11-13

2Co 7:11 Because — look at the enthusiasm this godly sadness has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

2Co 7:12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your enthusiasm for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

2Co 7:13 Therefore we are encouraged. And besides our own encouragement, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

the joy change can bring

When the Corinthians discovered how sad it made them that they had disappointed Paul, they changed quickly. It brougth joy to Paul and his team. Such is the joy that can come to God’s people when they respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit through the discipline of godly leaders. No change, no joy.

LORD, show us how to respond appropriately to those who challenge our actions, so that we can bring joy to them and you.