A great joy and relief when the Church is in the right direction: (7:5-7):
Initially Paul did not find Titus in Macedonia. His mind was full of thoughts for the church of Corinth and Ephesus. Perhaps he was literally burdened with the poor progress of Corinthians. Paul was feeling very discomfort and disappointed as a lonely warrior. Besides that, he had conflicts from other people. As he was alone, he was finding it very difficult. That’s why Jesus sent the disciples out two by two, knowing that “it is not good for a man to be alone” even in Christian service. Lonely Christians are often defeated Christians. “Two are better than one”(Eccl 4:9-12). It is the privilege and also a responsibility for every Christians to encourage one another. When Elijah thought he was the only one faithful to God, he began to backslide. Jonah ministered alone and developed a bitter spirit. Moses and Aaron together worked to redeem the Israelites from Egypt.
Paul was continuing the event he left in (2:13), where he said he went to Macedonia to look for Titus. But the coming of Titus (7:6) gave Paul huge relief and comfort. It was like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Further Titus brought a good report that Corinthians had repented with godly sorrow and they had a great concern for Paul and the ministry. It appears that they had mourned over their sin and dealt with the offender severely. Now they have come to complete obedience to God and love and concern for Paul. They have shown intolerance towards the sin. This had given Paul abounding joy. God performed a great transformation in the lives of Corinthians.
A repenting church is a rejuvenating church: (7:8-11):
Let’s look at the sequence of events happened in Corinth. The church was going from bad to worse, so Paul made a quick and unplanned visit which only seemed to make things worse (2:1). After the failure of this visit, Paul decided not to visit Corinth again in person at the time, but he sent Titus to them, with a strong letter of rebuke. Paul was very worried about how the Corinthians would receive the letter, whether it would turn them to Christ or just make them angry and go away from God. But when Titus came back with good news from the Corinthian Christians, Paul was greatly relieved and gives a contrast of Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.
A contrast of Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow: This is an important doctrine for every believer to know. Paul teaches to the Corinthians how the repentance brings salvation.
| Godly sorrow | Worldly sorrow |
| Godly sorrow leads to repentance. It is the sorrow which draws people closer to God to a place of confessing and forsaking sin. Peter repented although he denied Jesus for 3-times and the repentance restored him back to God’s fold.
Ex. Peter, David, Paul, James, Jailer etc. |
Worldly sorrow is nothing but regret or remorse, a common word which we express every day in our life. It drives people away from God into the hands of Satan. Judah regretted but he did not repent which ultimately led him to commit suicide.
Ex: Judah, |
| Godly sorrow leads to eternal life. | The worldly sorrow leads to death. |
| Godly sorrow leads to forgiveness of sins, which makes life easier to live. | Worldly sorrow burdens our lives with guilt and sins. There is no way to undo or to release them. This makes life very difficult to live. |
| Godly sorrow allows us to confront the sin and to get rid of sin. It allows us for correction | Worldly sorrow makes very difficult to confront sin. It fills us with pride, ego and pseudo-superiority. It does not allow us for any correction. |
| Godly sorrow brought Corinthians the earnestness, concern for one another, eagerness to clear conscience. | Worldly sorrow makes one more difficult to have any concern for others. In fact it makes people to succumb to inferior complex, down syndrome, fear, guilt etc. |
| Godly sorrow which leads to repentance will lead to change of purpose, intentions and action. It is not the bedside crying or tears. It is the change of purpose, direction and action (Redpath) | Worldly sorrow is deep regret, will make us to yield to sin and wickedness. |