2 Corinthians 7:1-16
"Therefore,
since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves
from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out
of reverence for GOD.
2 Make room for us in your
hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have
exploited no one.
3 I do not say this to condemn you;
I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would
live or die with you.
4 I have spoken to you with great
frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all
our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
5 For when we came into
Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on
the outside, fears 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 you had given him. He told us about your longing for me,
your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than
ever.
8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my
letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter
hurt you, but only for a little while—
9 yet now I am happy, not because
you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you
became sorrowful as GOD
intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
10 GODly
sorrow brings repentance that leads to SALVATION and leaves no regret, but
worldly sorrow brings death.
11 See what this GODly sorrow has
produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what
indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see
justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this
matter.
12 So even though I wrote to
you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on
account of the injured party, but rather that before GOD you could see for yourselves how
devoted to us you are.
13 By all this we are encouraged.
In
addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how
happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
14 I had boasted to him about
you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to
you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as
well.
15 And his affection for you is all
the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him
with fear and trembling.
16 I am glad I can have complete
confidence in you.”
