September 20
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PAUL’S JOY AT THE CHURCH’S REPENTANCE
A poem by ILMA
When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us
We faced conflict from all direction, both from outside and inside
God encouraged us by the arrival of Titus, one of Paul’s followers
His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought with him
When he told us how much you long to see me
And how sorry you are for what happened
Including how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!
I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you,
I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while
I am glad I sent it, not to hurt you, but because the pain caused repentance
Such repentance led to change your way and it was that a kind of sorrow
It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to have leads us away from sin and saves us.
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MEMORY VERSE
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. – 2 Corinthians 7:9
Read: 2 Corinthians 7:6-16
In this letter of Paul to the Corinthians, he expressed his joy over the repentance of the church in Corinth. He assures them that when he confronted them of what needs to be addressed so that they can actually face the sins and be convicted and repent so that they can be saved.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important that we confront and rebuke in gentleness another sister or brother in Christ?
• What made Paul joyful when God encouraged him when Titus came?
• Why is repentance important for salvation?