Good morning! Have you ever said or did something you regret, but you knew you had to say it or do it? The Apostle Paul had a moment like that as well. Join me as we continue our reading in 2 Corinthians chapter seven. In the chapter, Paul addresses the Corinthian church and shares his joy because of their repentance. Join us as we continue in verses 8-10.

“⁸ I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. ⁹ Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. ¹⁰ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 NLT

Throughout 1st and 2nd Corinthians we read about the division that was taking place in the Corinthian church and the reasons why. The church had allowed false teachers to occupy and mislead, disrespect and cause disruption against members of the church, and pitted Paul’s teachings against others. Paul, confronted their behavior boldly and in truth, which resulted in the sorrowful repentance of the Corinthian church.

Sisters and brothers, let’s take a quick look in the mirror:

• Are there areas in our lives that we need to repent of? ______
• Have you been involved in or created turmoil or chaos against the church or members of the church? _______
• Have you created division that did not bring glory to God? ______
• Have you dishonored your Christian sisters and brothers without regard for Christ’s direction or leading? ________

Sisters and brothers, let us dicontinue to live that way. Let today be the day we repent of our way and live for Christ. Let us turn away from the things that cause division and focus on unity in Christ. Let us turn away from self pride and candor, and allow God to humble our hearts and lead us to the way of self-reflection, reliance on Christ and repentance every day.

Father God, thank you for giving us wisdom and insight into the things that hurt the kingdom. Lord, forgive us for the times when we stepped out of obedience and followed our own way. Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to reconcile us to you. Lord, thank you for having us in mind before we were born and before we first sinned. Father God, thank you for making a way for us to repent and return to you. Lord, keep working in us and change us. We desire to live without regret, so Lord, humble our hearts today. Teach us how to be led by you and desire the things that will transform lives and communities for your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!

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