WORDS

From II Corinthians 7:2-7,13,15 (NIV)

Paul was longing to know how the church at Corinth had received the instruction of his letter.  Behind the scenes Paul expressed anxiety.  He had sent Titus to check on the congregation.  Based on the mode of travel back then, it may have been weeks, even months, before Paul received word back from Titus.

Can you imagine Paul, the author of the majority of the New Testament, anxious, worried, fretful, imagining the worst - just as we tend to respond. Or perhaps his thoughts were in line with caring for their spiritual growth.

Wasn't it Paul who wrote "casting down imaginations"? (I need to check the concordance.)  That phrase comes to mind when waiting in the hospital.  Would love to see a plaque on the wall stating "casting down imaginations."

Paul, who wore his heart on his sleeve, was quick to express love. He refers to the Corinthian congregation as having a place in his heart (v3). Paul had great confidence in these Christians, he was proud of them, he was encouraged through them; despite Paul's personal struggles Paul was overjoyed (v4). That's hard to do in our humanness - to be joyful in struggles.  Struggles are how Satan attacks us, trying to discourage us.

Paul wrote about the confidence, pride, encouragement, joy he felt from this congregation.  Words written centuries ago that still have application for this generation. Do our words, actions, deeds leave behind these positive feelings? 

If Paul became anxious over how this congregation accepted his former letter addressing an issue, he eased his fears by sending his friend Titus to the Corinthian church to check on their welfare.

In v6 Paul receives a good news update.  His first response:  "But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us..."  His first response was to thank God. Our first response should be the same.  Better yet, we should practice thanking God before receiving and again after receiving.  A motto my friend Karen taught me.

Love the phrase "but God" which signifies a turning point.  God comforted Paul with a good report.  (Reminds me of II Corinthians 1:3-4.) The MacDonald commentary states re v6 "Then God stepped in..."  Isn't that beautiful! 

The report was delivered in person from Titus via a good report = words.  Words - build up or put down.  Words - positive vs negative. Words - a blessing or a cursing. Scriptures have much to say about the tongue.  Thinking of "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" and "guard your heart."

Titus' words from the Corinthian church built up Paul's (and Titus') spirit. Paul was overjoyed (v7) to hear about this positive report.  Think of the last time your heart was overjoyed!  Does it bring a smile to your face? When we visit with someone is it to discuss all our aches and pains and doctor appointments, or do we share a scripture that God impacted us with just when we needed a word of comfort.  

Recently God brought to mind Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" after receiving notice of another increased bill.  Monthly there seems to be increased bills as well as increased weekly prices. Yes, financial struggles are one way Satan attacks us.  Bearing in mind what MacDonald said - "then God stepped in."  As Lamentations 3:22 states "this I recall to mind and therefore I have hope." Recalling God's past faithfulness gives hope for the future. 

Verse 13 states "By all this we are encouraged.  In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you." (I'm sure your spiritual mentor or pastor would love to hear how you are growing in grace and knowledge.  Like Paul, they need encouragement also.) 

Titus returned to update Paul happy and refreshed.  Proverbs 25:25 talks about "like cold water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land."  Proverbs 25:11 states "a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

The church only had glowing words to speak about Paul, Titus had only positive words to report about the church.  Words came full circle - filled with blessing. A lesson to bless others.

In Paul’s and Titus’ day it may have taken weeks or months to hear how one was doing. Today it takes days to hear by mail, or a second to hear via technology. Do you have good news to share with someone? Do it now. It will encourage/refresh both of you.

Remember, words have power.  In the example from II Corinthians 7, Paul was overjoyed to receive good news via Titus. You can be a Titus and lift someone's spirits. Go, therefore...  Reminded of the meaning of Barnabus' name - greathearted.  Go, therefore, and be a Barnabus also.