2Corinthians 7:11-16 For behold this selfsame thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. 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. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
‘What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.’ Seven blessings of godly sorrow are mentioned here – it promotes: Working of carefulness and obedience. Clearing of selves from guilt. Indignation and hatred of sin. Fear of God and the result of sin. Desire to make things right. Zeal to do the right thing. Revenge in punishing the guilty.
‘I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.’ This is a reference to the fornicator of 1Corinthians 5:1-13.
‘For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I make before Titus, is found a truth.’ Paul boasted to Titus of the Corinthians and they have confirmed his boasts to Titus themself. For that reason was he exceedingly happy (7:13-14). Titus was moved with great affection for them when he saw their obedience and how they received him with fear and trembling (7:15).
‘I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.’ Paul rejoiced then since he has learned of them that they have judged the guilty and had broken up the factions that were among them. If the false prophet who seduced them from truth and righteousness had succeeded Paul would have had to act by his power to correct things (1Cor. 4:19-21). As it is now, he had confidence in them in all things that they will obey.
Living the Word 