2nd Corinthians 7

 

1 Having therefore these (precious) promises (from the Father), dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every (remnant of) defilement of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness (by purifying our hearts) with the (reverential) fear (and awe) of God (our Father as the only One who can serve us with His indestructible life for which He has set us apart).

2 Make room (in your hearts) for us; we have injured no man, we have corrupted no man (with false doctrines), we have defrauded no man (of their reward or exploited them for gain).

3 I do not say this to condemn you: for I have said before that you are in our hearts (and I am willing) to (both) die and live with you.

4 Great is my boldness (and frankness) of speech toward you, great is my boasting (to others) about you: I am filled with comfort (from hearing Titus' report), I am exceeding joyful in (the midst of) all our tribulation (for your sake).

5 For when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled (and pressed in) on every side; on the outside there were conflicts, and within there were fears.

6 Nevertheless, God, who comforts those that are cast down (with sorrow), comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7 And not by his coming only, but by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, when he told us about your sincere desire (to see me again), your sorrow (and tears), your zeal toward me; so that I rejoiced even more.

8 For though I made you sorrowful with my first letter, I do not regret it (now), though I did regret it (for a moment): for I perceive that the same letter did indeed make you sorry, though it was but for an hour.

9 Now I rejoice, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow produced a change of mind (unto life): for you were made sorry after a godly manner (which is always for your benefit), so that you might in no way suffer (loss or) damage through us.

10 For godly sorrow produces repentance unto salvation (from death unto life), (a salvation) that will not ever be revoked: but the sorrow of the world (only) produces death.

11 For behold, this very same thing that made you sorry after a godly way, what diligence it produced in you to earnestly defend yourselves, what displeasure, what reverence, what passionate desire, what zeal, what vindication! In everything, you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

12 Although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one that had done the wrong, nor for the sake of the one that suffered wrong, but so that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.

13 Therefore, we were comforted by (hearing of) your comfort: yes, and we were exceedingly more overjoyed by the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

14 For if I have boasted anything to Titus about you, I am not put to shame; but just as everything we have spoken to you is true, so also our boasting (of you), which I made before Titus, is found to be true.

15 And his deep affection is more abundant toward you, while he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with (the same) reverence and awe (as you would receive me).

16 I rejoice, therefore, that in everything I have confidence in you.