2 Corinthians 7:5-16 - Paul's Joy At The Church's Repentance

⁵ For even when I reached Macedonia, my poor human nature could get no relief??here was trouble at every turn; fighting without, and fear within. ⁶ But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted me by the coming of Titus, ⁷ and not only by his coming, but by the comfort you had given him, for he told me how you longed to see me, how sorry you were, and how you took my part, which made me happier still. ⁸ For even if I did hurt your feelings with that letter, I cannot regret it; even if I did regret it, when I saw that the letter had hurt your feelings perhaps for a while, ⁹ I am glad of it now; not because you had your feelings hurt, but because having them hurt led you to repent, for you took it as God meant you to do, so that you should not lose anything at all through me. ¹⁰ For the pain that God approves results in a repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets; but the world's pain results in death. ¹¹ See how earnest this God-given pain has made you! how eager to clear yourselves, how indignant, how alarmed, how eager to see me, how zealous, how avenging! At every point you have proved that you are clear of this matter. ¹² So although I did write to you, it was not on account of the offender, nor of the injured man, but in the sight of God to reveal to you your devotion to me. ¹³ That is why I am so comforted. With all my own comfort, I was still more overjoyed at the gladness of Titus, for his mind has been set at rest by you all. ¹⁴ If I did express some pride in you to him, I have had no reason to be ashamed of it, but just as all I said to you was true, my boasting before Titus has also proved true. ¹⁵ His heart goes out all the more to you, as he recalls how you all obeyed him, and with what reverence and trembling you received him. ¹⁶ I am glad that I can feel perfect confidence in you.