SORRY, NOT SORRY

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

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—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.

2 Corinthians 7:8-9

This ends today’s reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

A recent ad campaign for one of my favorite candy products carried this slogan:

“Sorry, not sorry.”

On one hand, the company was seemingly apologizing for making peanut butter-filled chocolate cups that were incredibly delicious, so much so that people couldn’t stop buying and eating them.

On the other hand, the company wasn’t sorry for making candy that was so good to eat. Those who bought and consumed their product received great joy and satisfaction from doing so.

As we look at verses 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians, chapter 7, we find the Apostle Paul engage in his own version of “sorry, not sorry” with the church in Corinth.

On one hand, Paul felt bad that he had to write words targeting wrongs inside the Corinthian church, wrongs that he knew would bring sorrow to the believers there. No one in Christ really likes to say things that are hurtful to others but sometimes, as we see in this case, it’s necessary.

You see, Paul’s words to the Corinthian Christians carried with it a big impact. His words convicted the church of its wrongs and this conviction produced a harvest of repentance as Jesus believers within the church committed themselves to turn from their wickedness toward righteousness. They weren’t harmed in any way by what Paul wrote. Rather, the apostle’s letter produced the sorrow and change that God intended.

Ultimately, all this left Paul happy and without regret. His words, directed by God, had the desired impact to produce the desired outcome. That’s what the word of Lord does when it takes root in those who hear and receive it.

What’s our takeaway today?

Sometimes ministry work requires that we be brutally honest with others, especially when it comes to sin. We should allow God to lead us to do and say what He intends so that His desired outcome is realized. Jesus did it and so did Paul. All we need to do is follow their lead.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.
Send any prayer requests to Gods4all@aol.com