Pain with a Purpose

Read 2 Corinthians 7.

This is not limited to the restoration of an individual but of a congregation.  Paul wrote a strong, corrective letter to Corinth.  As seen in his first letter, the church had become lax concerning morality and confused about several doctrinal issues.  They had become proud of their tolerance of sin and false teachers.  It is evident that dealing with and resolving the problems brought grief.  But as in all good discipline, it was pain with a purpose.

The intent was never merely to vent anger or to rid themselves of wrong-doers.  Proper correction is unifying as it brings people back on the right course.  In this case, they had to confront their sin.

Too many are fearful of hurting someone's feelings.  They fear the repercussions from people more than they fear God.  They choose to protect themselves from the stress and try to keep a pretense of peace more than to obey God's word.  It is only in the confessing and forsaking of sin that one experiences genuine peace with God and with each other.  Every other human attempt is merely a cover-up.  And, like a cancer, sin will metastasize and spread throughout the entire body.

After reading Paul's letter, the Corinthian church "grieved into repenting" (v.9).  Here, then, is the principle: "Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (v.10)  One type of sorrow results in life-change; the other only results in regret and will kill relationships.

For this to be restorative, all parties must be motivated to do what pleases God and love the people involved.  This is a test.  Are we truly followers of Christ?  Do we truly believe God's word?  Will we humbly submit to each other in order to make things right?

In verse 11, Paul responded to this congregation with seven statements of commendation.
1. What earnestness!  They were not anxious or reluctant in following through on what needed to be done.
2. What eagerness!  They did not hesitate, but moved quickly, to make things right.
3. What indignation!  They became as upset about the sin as Paul was.
4. What fear!  They were alarmed when they realized what they had allowed to happen.
5. What longing!  They possessed a strong desire to take action.
6. What zeal!  They acted fervently.
7. What punishment!  They did what was necessary to vindicate themselves and to correct the problem.

Personal and church health is dependent upon following through when correction is needed.  Though stressful, and even painful, do not miss the outcome.  "Therefore we are comforted.  And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more...I have complete confidence in you." (vv.13-16)