I’d like to share some notes from 2 Corinthians with you today.

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God (emphasis added).

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)

This verse points out that we should live holy lives “out of reverence for God.” This reminds me of something Jesus said in John.

“If you love me, keep my commands.”

John 14:15 (NIV)

When we love someone, it’s easy to deny ourselves and live in ways that please them. If we have this desire for people who may stop loving us, how more than for God, whose love never fails?

So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are (emphasis added). By all this we are encouraged.

2 Corinthians 7:12-13 (NIV)

Paul was talking about the different types of sorrow and comparing them; worldly sorrow in contrast to godly sorrow. In verse 12, Paul points out that he wrote to the Corinthians so they could see for themselves how devoted they were to Paul and others. Paul also declares that everyone is encouraged because of the Corinthians’ response. 

Sometimes we need others to point out things about ourselves that we don’t see. Often, we only think of people pointing out things that need correcting to help us be better in Christ, but sometimes we also need to know that we are doing good things too. This isn’t flattery. It’s mutual edification for everyone that goes beyond just telling someone, “Thank you.” While there’s nothing wrong with thanking someone, there are times that we must tell others how they have encouraged us in the Lord. 

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV)

Doing the right thing can be challenging. If it weren’t, more people would do the right thing, wouldn’t they?

That’s all I have for today. Thank you for stopping by!