2 Corinthians 7

1Dear friends, since we have these promises, let us make ourselves clean from everything that dirties the body and the spirit. Let us aim for complete holiness out of respect for God.

2Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, ruined no one, and cheated no one.

3I am not saying this to blame you. As I said before, you are in our hearts, so that we would live or die together with you.

4I speak to you very openly, and I am very proud of you. I am greatly encouraged, and in all our troubles my joy knows no limits.

5When we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest. Troubles attacked us from every direction! We faced dangerous battles on the outside. We wrestled with deep fears on the inside!

6But God, who comforts those who are discouraged, comforted us by the arrival of Titus.

7And not only by his coming, but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us how much you long for me, how sorry you are, and how concerned you are for me. So I was happier than ever.

8Even though my letter made you sad, I do not regret it. I did regret it for a while, because I see that the letter hurt you, but only for a little while.

9Now I am truly glad! I am not happy that you felt pain. I am glad your sorrow led you to turn back to God. You felt the kind of godly sorrow that God desires!

10Godly sorrow leads to true repentance and eternal salvation. That kind of sorrow leaves zero regrets! Worldly sorrow only brings bitterness and death.

11Look at what this godly sorrow produced inside you! It made you serious and eager to clear your name. It produced righteous anger against that wicked sin! It filled you with holy fear and deep longing. It gave you passionate concern and a desire for justice. In every way, you proved you are innocent in this matter.

12So even though I wrote to you, it was not mainly because of the one who did the wrong, or the one who was hurt. I wrote so that you could see for yourselves, before God, how much you care for us.

13All of this brought us tremendous comfort and encouragement! Even better, we saw how overflowing with joy Titus was! All of you refreshed his spirit completely.

14I had bragged to Titus about your faith, and you proved me right! Just as our message to you was true, my boasting to Titus was true!

15And his love for you is even greater when he remembers how all of you obeyed, welcoming him with respect and care.

16I am glad that I can have complete confidence in you.