2 Corinthians 7:7
And not by his comming onely, but by the consolation wherewith hee was comforted in you, when he told vs your earnest desire, your mourning, your feruent minde toward me, so that I reioyced the more. 2 Corinthians 7:7 (KJV)
This verse is part of the second letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians. In this particular verse Paul is expressing his joy and gratitude for Titus, who had recently visited the Corinthian church and brought him encouraging news about their spiritual state and their response to Paul’s previous letter.
Consolation and Comfort: Paul acknowledges that Titus provided consolation and comfort to him. This implies that Titus had shared positive news about the Corinthians, which brought relief and encouragement to Paul. It highlights the importance of offering support and comfort to one another in times of distress or uncertainty.
Earnest Desire: Paul mentions that Titus shared the Corinthians’ earnest desire. This suggests that they had a sincere longing for spiritual growth and a genuine willingness to address any issues that Paul had previously mentioned in his first letter to them.
Mourning: The Corinthians’ mourning refers to their sorrow and repentance. They expressed remorse and a desire to change their ways in response to Paul’s admonition in his previous letter. Their mourning indicates a genuine recognition of their faults and a commitment to turning away from them.
Fervent Mind: The Corinthians exhibited a fervent or zealous mind toward Paul. This implies that they had a deep affection for Paul and were passionately concerned about his well‑being. Their response demonstrated a loving and devoted attitude towards the apostle.
Paul’s Rejoicing: As a result of hearing about the Corinthians’ response, Paul rejoiced even more. Their earnest desire, mourning, and fervent mind toward him brought him great joy and comfort. It affirmed his apostolic work among them and strengthened their bond of fellowship.
In summary, 2 Corinthians 7:7 highlights the mutual encouragement and support that exists within the body of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of consoling and comforting one another, while also demonstrating genuine repentance and a fervent love for fellow believers. Paul’s joyous response to the Corinthians’ positive spiritual response serves as an example for us to rejoice and uplift one another in our faith journeys.
