I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great
pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing
with joy.- 2 Corinthians 7:4
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Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 7:1-8, focus verse 4. St. Paul speaks of his pride and consolation at the repentance of the believers in Corinth. This bustling coastal city filled with a myriad of pagan gods and goddesses, including Poseidon (god of the sea) & Aphrodite (goddess of love & fertility). It was in such a challenging spiritual climate that the early believers came to believe in the good news preached by the apostle to the gentiles. St. Paul, echoing the joyful exclamation of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son: "for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:24), upon the return of his younger son.
In this Holy Week leading up to Resurrection Sunday, let's take a moment to quiet our hearts to pray for the salvation of souls, especially among our loved ones and friends.
I'll close with this beautiful hymn that reminds us of our Heavenly Father's Love, and the Immense Price paid by Jesus at Calvary.
How Deep the Father's Love For Us
Verse 1
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory
Verse 2
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished
Verse 3
I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom
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Reflection on 2 Corinthians 7:1-8 by Chris Tan
