The Church Makes Paul Happy

II Corinthians 7:1–7
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We should stay away from everything that keeps our bodies and spirits from being clean (v. 1). Please open your hearts to us (v. 2). You are in our hearts, and we live or die together with you (v. 3). I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles (v. 4). We should honor God and try to be completely like him. In this passage Paul resumed the story that he left in 2:13, where he said he went to Macedonia to look for Titus. Though Paul still had many problems and hardships to face, he found comfort and joy in the ministry God had given to him. Titus had visited the Corinthian church and now he rejoins Paul in Macedonia (vv. 5-6). His report brings rejoicing to the apostle’s heart. The church had received Titus and now they were ready to receive Paul (v. 13). He asks them to trust him, for he had never done anything to wrong them.

Paul’s frame of mind, before Titus’ arrival was far from being at peace. It says that “he had  no rest” (v. 5). The great apostle Paul was not always on a spiritual high and he was not afraid to admit it.  His conflicts, fears and depression were brought on by opposition and persecution in Macedonia. He was not sure how Titus was being treated by the Corinthians and how they would respond to his letter. But God cheers up people in need, and that is what he did when he sent Titus to us (v. 6).

Application

There is joy in seeing someone we love being welcomed and well-treated. What is true of us is true of God. That is why I can best show my love for God by loving other people. The thing that delights the heart of God is to see one of his children kindly treated.