Year 8, Day 90: 2 Corinthians 7

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Paul speaks much about grief and correction in this chapter.  Paul says that his earlier letter has grieved him.  He isn’t grieved because of the effects of his letter; he is grieved because he had to write the letter.  He is grieved because of the need to write it.  He is grieved because it was a potential stressor in the relationship.

This is the dangerous part of living in truth.  People who dwell with God cannot hide from truth.  They cannot push truth under the rug.  When they see evil, they confront it with truth.  When they see sin, they confront it with truth.  When they see oppression, they confront it with truth.

The problem is that confrontation usually leads to stress.  Confrontation opens the door for potentially damaged relationships.  It really all depends on how the other person is going to receive the truth.  If they receive it poorly, confrontation leads to the breakdown of relationship.

Mind you, people who walk in God take that risk.  What good is a friend who only tells you what you want to hear?  What good is a teacher who never challenges you out of your current place?  What good is a mentor who only talks about how great you are?  What good is a pastor who only talks about the great ways you embody Christ? We need all these things, certainly.  But we need more than these things.  When we deserve it, praise is great.  When we don’t deserve it, praise is empty and hollow and serves no purpose.

Teachers, friends, and mentors know when to uplift with the truth.  Teachers, friends, and mentors who are worth their salt know when to challenge and speak truth.  When genuine truth is shared among Christians, it might be done in fear and trepidation but it should always lead to growth and maturity.

<><