Paul passionately declares his genuine love and concern for the Corinthian Christians and his joy over them in spite of their many spiritual growing pains. He acknowledges that his words to them (we can read some of them in I Corinthians) caused them pain and sorrow. Paul himself was sorry that he had to cause them sorrow, yet he rejoiced later that it had a good result. The Corinthians' earnest response and desire to make things right was proof of their innocence and good hearts.

It's natural to try to justify ourselves to avoid the pain of feeling guilty. When we did not know Jesus, feeling sorrow for our sin seemed like death. But in Jesus, when we allow ourselves to feel real remorse and then decide to change, we can take a big step in spiritual growth and also be a good example for others. If we are too stubborn to repent, we always regret it later. But repentance by the power of grace brings freedom from regret.


Application: Father, thank you for the gift of repentance even when it is painful at first. Give us zeal to set things right when we fail.
One Word: Let pain lead to repentance