In 2 Corinthians 7 Paul is sharing something personal. He is in a situation where he is being attacked and abused for preaching and teaching the Gospel. He is facing great peril and treachery! He is sharing with the church, that with the external threats and persecution, there is also great internal pressure that is coming against him. Knowing that people hate you. Knowing that there are others that are not only bent on your ruin, but that are sworn to kill you!
All this external strife and warring can produce great internal fear, struggle, self doubt, and a sense of failure etc! But Paul intimates something here very interesting. Though we know that he lived above all of this by the grace of God, and walked at peace within himself... through the Word of God, and by the Holy Spirit (Cf. 2 Cor. 6:6-7), yet he says that what took him over the top in joy and comfort, more than anything was...
...the way in which he was treated and loved by other people
(viz. Titus, and their local church). This is not an insult to God or His Word! This is the way that God has designed it... that we would have great power in comforting one another in the Spirit of love and truth.
Let us rid ourselves completely of cutting remarks, insulting other's things, styles, and ways...(contrary to what you may think - your ways are not THE only way of doing everything - they are just merely the way you choose to do it!), saying things that make others feel "stupid" or look foolish in front of others, on and on! Whether you're "just joking" or are serious, it does not matter - it's all the same! (Cf. Ephes. 4:31-32)
We are here to be peace-givers, peace-bringers, and peace-makers for others who may be filled with turmoil! We are here to be joy-bringers and comfort-givers to those who are dealing with the torment and trouble that come from living in this world!
WE ALL NEED IT! WHAT A CALLING!
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Job 6:14
"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty."
When all about us is falling apart, it is friends that bring us back to the joys of Life and to the Lords ways.
I seek always my Christian brothers and sisters when my heart is heavy.
A true friend will always bring your thoughts into the Light so that the perspective is made clear.
They will help you see what is happening, with Love pulling no punchs but at the same time lifting you up to be Blessed by our Lord so that your heart may rejoyce.
Real friends will stand with you, seek them as verses Plastic friends
who will desert you when storm clouds are on the horizon.
These friends cannot be bought, but time again prove their priceless value without charge for they are Uplifters and Agape Love givers.
Brady
Man, could you imagine how effective the church and the body of Christ would be if we all walked in this manner. We would actually operate as a body and not like a train that's just connected by the names and styles of our congregations. Powerful stuff man!! It moved me.
v.13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
Through God's grace we can bring refreshing to the hearts and souls of others! WOW!
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