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 do what you want, don’t consider others just make decisions that benefit yourself. Set up your life in such a way that you are safe, protected, and can deal with any contingency. It might lead you to denial. Just live as if you don’t have problems, that nothing is wrong. Do what you can to numb yourself and ignore. Keep everything surface level and light. Distract yourself in meaningless activities; just pass time so you don’t have to feel.
The world is pushing happiness, positive emotions sourced from circumstances. Joy is deeper and richer. In fact, it defies circumstances. It is an unending source of wellbeing when nothing in your circumstances has changed. It is often birthed out of suffering, pain, and lack. And it is available to those who belong to the community of faith, especially when they are in right relationship with their adopted family.
In this letter to the Corinthian church, Paul is sharing how it felt when Titus came to him. How his fear turned to rejoicing. How was this possible? Though this book is entitled 2nd Corinthians because it is the 2nd letter between Paul in the church in our scripture, it is actually his 3rd letter. Paul was their spiritual father (1 Cor 4:15) and sent Titus back with a 2nd letter to them, pleading with them to repent. They had and their response to Paul was one of a desire to reconcile and put themselves under his pastoral care once more. With great relief, Paul describes in this verse how his soul was put at ease as their fellowship was repaired.
Restoring relationships with others brings life to the soul. In Matthew 5:24 Jesus says when referencing making an offering to the Lord, “leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Even in our worship, God wants us to reflect on our connections with one another as we connect with Him. So much so, that if we find them lacking, we are to be restored to one another before we approach Him.
Interrupt isolation has become a social mantra in the church in this time of quarantine, reaching out to those we care for, making sure they are okay. Battling loneliness has become the front line, learning how to connect with others in such a sterile environment is a challenge. But what of those whom are living with regret and bitterness? Who need forgiveness and mercy? How need to confess sin? Is there anyone God is calling you to reach out to who might be longing to hear your voice and is too proud to take the first step in reconciliation?
Forgiving others is important because it affects our relationship with God when we withhold it.
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25). Our faith is based on forgiveness, upon the costly forgiveness purchased for us by Christ. How can we not extend that to others? In the parable of the debtor in Matthew 18, And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ (verse 33).
Many of us are reaching out to others, as we guard our bodies by being physically inaccessible. Heal more than the virus that is running rampant through our world. Allow recovery of relationships and push aside the boundaries that fester between you and another wandering heart. Joy is often on the other side.
Comments