The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 7:8-11, “For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it– for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while–

9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.

10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

11 For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.”

Congregations often make mistakes just like individuals do; and those who attempt to correct the congregation often err also. It’s then difficult to express sorrow for saying what was first deemed necessary, despite being misunderstood by either or both parties. Paul evidently fell into the trap resulting from what he said to the Corinthian Church.

In our passage above, the apostle seeks to rectify the sorrow he caused the Church. Here he turned the thought into a positive benefit when he learned that the church had repented of what it had done. It was a ticklish situation, however you view it. Yet, because both the church and the apostle were prayerful and repentant, love once again filled the vacuum in their midst.

Repentance is a change of mind. What’s more (if there needs to be more) both parties are “back on track,” and productive! “Look how you have changed,” Paul says. “Look at what has come out of this!” Both parties (the church and the apostle) have reinstated themselves with each other. They’re both back on track in their service for the LORD!

I’ve witnessed reconciliations between opposing parties. They each become winners when, as gruff, angry opponents, their contorted features turn into warm smiles and laughter! It is something to behold. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes!

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need, until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom