Tuesday, 15 September 2015
…and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
2 Corinthians 7:7
Paul just noted that he and those with him were comforted in the coming of Titus. Now building on that, he says that it was “not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you.” They were certainly relieved to finally meet up with Titus, but when they met up, great news about the status of Corinth came with him. The words indicate that when Titus was there, he was greatly encouraged over the effect that Paul’s words from his previous epistle had brought out in them.
For Paul and those with him, the words relayed by Titus “told us of your earnest desire.” This would be referring to the desire for them to make the changes necessary to be right with the Lord and working together as a harmonious congregation. “Your mourning” indicates that the desired change was sincere. The word Paul uses for “mourning” is odurmos. It is found only here and in Matthew 2:18 and it indicates an actual audible lamentation. They literally broke down and wept at how their behavior had been the source of Paul’s needed letter of discipline.
From there he notes “your zeal for me.” The words were taken as they should have been. Instead of a commanding bully, he had written in fatherly tenderness. It was taken in that context and the zeal for those in Corinth to come in line with his fatherly advice was well received. In the hearing of all of this good news, he “rejoiced even more.” His happiness at the coming of Titus was only bolstered by the news he brought!
Life application: The Bible says that the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful. Let us keep our feet looking as lovely as possible at all times!
Heavenly Father, if the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful, then I would ask that you make my feet radiant. Instill in me the burning desire to be a vessel which always carries the good news to others. Help me to be a person who encourages and builds others up, a help in times of need, and above all help me to never fail to proclaim the good news about Jesus to this dark and sin-stained world. With Your hand upon me, may my feet be simply glowing! Amen.