• Here are some tools to help you with the devotionals:
  • A Guide to Journaling & Prayer
  • A Guide to Self-Reflection
  • A Chart to help articulate feelings

2 Corinthians 7 – Commentary

Bible Text:

2 Corinthians 7:5-9 (ESV)

⁵ For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. ⁶ But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, ⁷ and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. ⁸ For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. ⁹ As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

Reflection & Application 

2 Corinthians 7:8-9

• Think of what would have happened if Apostle Paul was afraid of causing the Corinthians grief and did not send the harsh letter.  Have there been times when I held back vital truth so that I would not hurt people’s feelings or offend them?  
• What do the phrases “grieved into repenting” and “godly grief” (v. 9)  teach me about the value of emotional pain over sin, and the value of correction?  
• Are there ways in which I refuse to tolerate a sense of grief or sorrow over my sins?
• Recount a time when I was confronted by someoneover my sin, and I made room in my heart (see v. 2) toward that person and so was led to experience “godly grief” that led to repentance.