2 Corinthians 7
7
1Therefore, since we have these promises, loved ones, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Godly Sorrow and Joy
2Make room for us in your hearts. We wronged no one, ruined no one, took advantage of no one.
3I do not say this to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts—to die together and to live together with you.
4Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I have been filled with encouragement. I overflow with joy in all our troubles.
5For even when we came into Macedonia, our body had no rest. But we were hard pressed on every side—conflicts outside, fears within.
6But God, who encourages the downcast, encouraged us with the arrival of Titus;
7and not only by his coming, but also by the encouragement with which he was encouraged by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your deep concern for me—so that I rejoiced still more.
8For even if I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that my letter grieved you, but just for a while.
9Now I rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to the point of repentance. For you were grieved according to God’s will, so that you might in no way suffer loss from us.
10For the grief that God wills brings a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret. But the world’s grief brings death.
11For see what this very thing—this grieving that God wills—has brought you! What diligence, what defense, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what rendering of justice! In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
12So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for the sake of the wrongdoer or for the sake of the one who was wronged, but to make known to you your diligence for us in the sight of God.
13For this reason we have been encouraged. Besides our own encouragement, we rejoiced even more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
14For if I have boasted some to him about you, I was not put to shame. But as we spoke all things truthfully to you, so also our boasting to Titus has proved to be the truth.
15His feelings toward you overflow when he remembers everyone’s obedience—how you received him with fear and trembling.
16I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.
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Copyright © 2014 - Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society
2 Corinthians 7
7
1When such promises as these are ours, let no contamination either of the flesh or of that which taints and corrupts the spirit enter into you, but be pure and reverently accomplish that holiness which is brought by faithful, careful attention to the dictates of God. 2In that spirit of purity and truth, accept me, bear with me, allow that I am free of the offences that men attribute to me, that I have wronged no one, corrupted no one, as they say I do, and have not made a fortune for myself out of my converts. 3I know that you do not say these things yourselves, and I do not reproach you. Only beware of the influence which the reiterated statements of the faithless and the idolaters may have upon you. No, I do not reproach you. I glory in you. 4I have much boldness in speaking to you. I know that in my own heart all trace of condemnation toward you is absent, for in the Christ we live and suffer together as one. 5-6I cannot express to you the great gladness and joy of my heart on meeting Titus in Macedonia.
Paul’s suffering relieved by good news
7I was oppressed beyond measure, fightings without, and fears within — my flesh had no rest, in every possible direction loomed danger and difficulty, and God delivered me, even as He delivers the meek and hears the cry of the helpless. Titus came to me with news of you; and my heart was comforted and strengthened, nay, it overflows with gratitude and joy, as I remember your utter loyalty, and perfect devotion. All my sufferings lifted in the understanding of your love which his news brought to me. 8My letter pained you, but I do not repent of that now. Though it pained me before, my sorrow now is gone. 9The pain and sorrow of the world bring death, 10but that pain and sorrow which God sends result in a change of mind and heart which nothing again can ever make a man repent of. And so it was with you. 11It was no ordinary pain and mortification that my letter brought you, it was a deep stirring of the divine, of the sorrow that changes us, and with that sorrow came new energy, new desire, the wish to clear yourselves of reproach and to exact justice to the full. I rejoice that you have approved yourselves holy and worthy in this trouble. And what else matters? 12My letter and its strictures and rebuke concerned more than the individual who did the wrong, more too than the one that was wronged. It concerned your loyalty and faithfulness, and because that held good, I rejoice, and am comforted in my heart. 13And Titus’ courage and hope and joy have also been uplifted by your welcome of him. 14I had boasted of you to him, and he found you even as I had told him, 15and as I write, his heart, like mine, goes out to you, at the recollection of your obedience, and of the wonderful care and attention which you paid him when he was with you. 16How I rejoice now in all this!
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Translated in 1916, published in 1937.