Truth Spoken in Love

II Corinthians 7:8–12

“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 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.”

Truth can hurt and like I shared Ps Tim Keller’s thoughts yesterday that truth spoken without love is harshness we just won’t hear it. “God's saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God's mercy and grace.” Truth spoken in love brings us true repentance, not only guilt and shame that’s associated with the realisation of wrongdoing. King Solomon suggests, “better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed, faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (Prov 27:5–6)”, at least an open rebuke shows truthfulness, an expression of concern that is heard and felt; my mom has always said to be thankful for correction from family and close friends, you wouldn’t get that privilege from others they may even rejoice at your folly and scorn you behind your back. The Apostle Paul reminds us just as similarly in his letter to the Romans later on, that godly sorrow or repentance leads to salvation (vv. 10–11), and that endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation (Rom 5:4). The LORD teaches us that by our patient endurance, we will gain our souls (Luke 21:19), and the Apostle James reminds, “blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because when she has stood the test, she will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him (Jam 1:12).” It was godly sorrow that led the Apostle Peter to repent and make a U-Turn from his denial of the LORD, it was worldly sorrow that overwhelmed Judas Iscariot who betrayed the LORD which led to his death (Matt 27:3–4). Today, may the words of our LORD to the St. Peter encourage us all: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:32).” And let us pray with Living Life: “Father, thank You for showing me the path to life in Your Word and by Your Spirit. Please make me steadfast in obeying You so that I may praise You with an upright heart. Thank You for empowering me to live a holy life. I yield myself to You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”