Reason to Rejoice

What reason do we have to be joyful and give thanks? Sometimes it is easier to think of things than otherwise. A lot of that depends on our perspective, the way we view our circumstances and situation makes all the difference in how we respond to them. The state of our hearts also affects our ability to rejoice. Some can genuinely give thanks in the midst of horrible circumstances while others have trouble being grateful for a blessed life. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul lists several reasons for which he rejoiced, and they apply just as well to us. This chapter holds particular sentiment for me because it was a sermon on it that brought me to give my life to Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Paul begins the chapter reminding us of some wonderful promises. The last few verses of chapter 6 talk about some universal promises that we all share. Those promises are: that we are a living temple of God, He has promised to live in us, He shall be our God and we His people, He will be our Father and we His children, and if we will set ourselves apart for Him He will welcome us to Him.

These promises are the basis of the New Covenant in the New Testament brought through the blood of Christ. Rather than having to travel to a physical temple to be in the presence of God, we ourselves are His temple and are always in His presence. Not only that but He will actually dwell in us so that we have full access to Him. We are set apart for Him to be His chosen. He has adopted us as His beloved children so we are also heirs of His kingdom. Because of these things we should set ourselves apart from sin and the world so that we can be pure and holy as He is. We need to treat our selves as we would treat God’s very temple.

2 Corinthians 7:6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

Paul goes on to talk about a previous visit to the Corinthians and the conflicts and afflictions he experienced. But he was not put out by them, and encouraged the people not to be either because he received great encouragement through them, both from the people and from God. This verse holds some great truths that are helpful to all.

God comforts the depressed. He is our great Comforter. He won’t scold or condemn us for being discouraged or down cast. Instead He will love us and help us back up. He will also send us others to help us in our difficulties. Community is one of the greatest resources of the family of God. There are a great many who can help us in various ways when we go through troubles, and we in turn can help them when they are down. It is a network of support. That support encourages many, even if they are not involved, because it shows the great love of God for all.

Next Paul says something curious. He says that he was not sorry to have caused the people sorrow, that he even rejoiced in it. On the surface that seems rather morbid. But it doesn’t end with their sorrow. He rejoices because it was a godly sorrow. He said something that convicted them about their sin. The first book of Corinthians contains plenty to that measure. But Paul was glad that it made them sorry because it caused them to repent. They were convicted of their sin and turned from it. That is why it caused Paul to rejoice, the pain he caused them had an even greater result that outweighed the pain.

2 Corinthians 7:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

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. 

That is how it should be when we are confronted by our sin. It should cause us sorrow and grief, but that should in turn cause us to turn to God for forgiveness, restoration and renewal so that we give up that sin. A godly sorrow like that will produce vindication so that we are approved. It will bring about a godly fear and reverence for God and His ways. It will also produce in us a longing and zeal for God that we would not have otherwise. A sorrow that is not godly will produce only regret which leads to a hardened heart and depression.

Paul was glad for all of this because it encouraged him in his faith and caused him to rejoice for their change. It gave him reason to have confidence in them and their conduct caused them to lead others to rejoice in their godly lives.

We all sin. It is part of our unfortunate human nature. But our response to that sin is what makes the difference between godliness and worldliness. When we are confronted with our sin we have a choice: we can ignore it or we can acknowledge it. Ignoring it is what the Pharisees did when Jesus confronted them. Their hearts were hardened with pride so that they could not and would not admit their sin. Humility is required to acknowledge guilt.

But then again we still have a choice: whether we will accept it with a godly sorrow or a worldly one. A worldly sorrow only brings regret and despair. It remains in that sorrow and does not move on, as an animal caught in a quagmire, as Judas when he realized he had betrayed the Son of God. A godly sorrow leads to repentance which lifts us up out of our sin and into God’s presence, as Peter when Jesus was handed over. Both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus, and they both knew what they did was wrong, but the way they responded to that sin was completely different.

How will you respond to your sin? Will you accept your guilt and allow it to lead you to repentance and renewal? Will you allow it to bring about greater rejoicing than sorrow?