2 Corinthians 7:11; Ye Sorrowed After a Godly Sort

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The word “carefulness” means “haste, diligence, earnestness”. The Apostle Paul was thankful to God that his letter to the Corinthian church has been earnestly read and with diligence, with haste, the exhortations to holiness followed. They sorrowed for sin and sought to do the will of God.

As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:3-6 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. The putting away of sin and turning to God to do His will results in a deep desire to do according to God’s Word.

It was for their spiritual well-being and benefit. When sin is put away, there is peace and joy that comes to fill the heart. The Apostle Paul did not stop short of instructing them in the way of righteousness. He was comforted that spiritual progress has been made with the report he received from Titus.

Truly, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Amen.