Rebuke

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE:

John Wesley and a preacher-friend of plain habits were once invited to dinner where the host’s daughter, noted for her beauty, had been profoundly impressed by Wesley’s preaching. During a pause in the meal, Wesley’s friend took the young woman’s hand and called attention to the sparkling rings she wore. “What do you think of this, sir, for a Methodist hand?” The girl turned crimson. Wesley likewise was embarrassed, for his aversion to jewelry was only too well known. But with a benevolent smile, he simply said, “The hand is very beautiful.” Wesley’s remark both cooled the too-hot water poured by his friend, and made the foot-washing gentle. The young woman appeared at the evening service without her jewels, and became a strong Christian. (Source unknown).

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to rebuild a shattered relationship. Unfortunately, there are many broken relationships today in homes, churches and ministries, which can only be repaired when people face problems honestly and deal with them Biblically and lovingly.

This is what Paul is trying to do in II Corinthians and especially in chapters 6 and 7. Paul had written a very severe letter of rebuke to the Corinthians and at times had regretted it (v. 8). His primary motive in writing the letter was to benefit them. They had read his "painful letter," had repented of their sins and disciplined the members who had created the problems. Now, Paul’s heart rejoiced that they had accepted his message and had acted upon it (v. 9). He had suffered a great deal because of this situation but this made all of his efforts worthwhile.

In Paul’s discussions with Titus, he was convinced that the opposition in Corinth came only from a small group of dissenters and the vast majority of the congregation wanted to do what was right. Now this conviction is confirmed by the report Titus gives to Paul.

APPLICATION:

I must never let pride keep me from admitting sin in my life. I must accept correction as a tool for my Spiritual growth and do all I can to correct problems that are pointed out to me.