The Joy of Reconciliation
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. For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. 2 Corinthians 7:4–7 How does one overflow with joy in affliction? The world seeks to answer this question in a variety of ways. It might suggest that you seek comfort, make your life easy, convenient, low-stress, where all of your physical needs are met. Eat what you want, lay around, sooth yourself with whatever takes away the pain in a sensual way. It might lead you to control. Do all that you can to ...