2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7


As we read Chapter 7 we don’t know exactly what the offense was and I think the important things are written very clearly and the importance of this message is not what was done but how it was handled, the hearts of those involved, the act of obedience on everyone’s part.

- Paul wrote a letter and obviously addressed the wrong doing and those involved. It sounds as though in this chapter that maybe he didn’t directly address one or two people but the whole church. Even though I am sure those who had committed the offense were very much a ware of their offense and whom Paul was talking about.
- Paul was encouraged over their sorrow.

I know when I have had a conflict with someone and I share the offense it is always so encouraging to see that person was sorrowful and apologizes. But when that doesn’t happen and they become defensive or refuse to take responsibility. I become sorrowful. Has that ever happened to you? I had wondered how do I actually resolve this within myself?
Here is what Paul writes.
- Verse8-9 “ For though I cased you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it- for I see that the letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while- 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, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.”

Man, ladies! If every conflict would be resolved to this point! I think Titus had a real impact on this situation. Again, the Matt. 18 passage comes into play here. Paul obviously needed a “peacemaker” or “a mediator” to help with this situation. What a joy for Paul that those involved were willing to accept Titus.

- Verse 10 says “ For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation’ but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
I don’t know where you all are or if there is an on going conflict or unresolved conflict in your lives but I pray that if you haven’t offered to have a mediator go to the individual that you would do this without delay. I pray for us personally that if we have been confronted with an offense that we would receive it and be made sorrowful to the point of repentance.

I know with my kids this is always a joy to see. When I confront them and they are truly sorrowful to the point of repentance. When they really do see their wrong doing and they come to me and say, Mom, I’m sorry! There is no greater joy in my heart! And so it is with my friends and co workers.

One thing that I noticed in this chapter that I’ve not ever noticed before is that Paul writes to say in verses 13-16 that he has confidence in them and that he is encouraged by their obedience.


We all face conflict within ourselves and conflict with our family and friends. How we handle it is so very important to our work and effectiveness as believers.

Next time you are faced with a conflict I pray you will apply what we have learned today.
- confront with the right attitude and heart in Love. Following the example of Matt. 18
- If you are being confronted – stop and ask yourself is you have a heart that is sorrowful. Are you truly sorry? Do you see the hurt you may have caused either willingly or unconsciously to the other person? Are you willing to accept responsibility even when it wasn’t intentional?
- Godly repentance only comes from a truly sorrowful heart! When someone is broken over their wrong doing. Verses 9 and 10
- If you can’t resolve the conflict than ask someone who would be the peace maker or mediator for you both. Follow Matt 18 if at all possible.
- Finally, at the close of the conflict. Notice that Paul re affirms them in their life and faith!

Sisters, not all conflicts can be resolved. It does require, in the end, a repented heart. Sometimes all we can do is forgive and continue to pray for that sorrow to come so that true repentance will come and restoration/ Salvation / Life can happen!

The Lord Bless You ALL!
Melissa