2 Corinthians 7:1-11

A few years back Helga and I had an interesting experience on one of our Florida trips! Cruising along, mile after mile, we had to take an exit for a different road near Ocala. The problem was that we weren’t really paying attention, so we took the exit that seemed right without thinking about it and spent about an hour going the wrong direction! We began to feel a little funny inside—like something was wrong but signage was minimal and we just weren’t sure—but then we saw it! A sign for a city that was NORTH and we were supposed to be going SOUTH! Our hearts sank as we realized we added two full hours to our 16 hour trip! I was sick over it. But what could we do? We had to turn around and start going in the right direction. It may have taken us longer, but at least we got there! If 1 Corinthians 15 is the Resurrection Chapter, and 1 Corinthians 13 is the Love Chapter, then 2 Corinthians 7 is the Repentance Chapter. I think the word repentance is the most beautiful word we never use in church! John the Baptist used it, and Jesus used it. It signifies a change of mind and direction—like our car ride. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul commends the church for their repentance! He had to write a tough letter but was glad when he heard they actually listened and responded. Wow! Today, most people get offended or put a wall up or get vicious if you even suggest they are doing something sinful. But what an example this Corinthian church gives us. Some wonderfully spiritual times in my life have come when I recognized I was going the wrong way and was humble enough to admit it and courageous enough to turn around and go a different way!