[442 words]
When we think of the great apostle Paul, we think of a rugged warrior for Christ – a courageous, daring, fearless man who laughed in the face of danger. After all, he was the man who got up and walked back into the town where folks had stoned him, drug him out of the city, and left him for dead (Acts 14:19-20). Paul was the guy who was whipped, beaten, shipwrecked, mugged, thrown in prison, and endured many great perils with his faith intact (2 Cor. 6:4-10; 11:24-28).
In 2 Cor. 7, we see Paul continuing this life theme in being bold in speech and joyful in tribulation (v.4). But even Paul had times that were hard to handle. For in the very next verse, we see a side of Paul we are not used to seeing in the pages of the New Testament: “For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.” (2 Cor. 7:5) So Paul was human after all. And even he had to grapple with trouble, conflict, and fear in his life. Can you relate to that? I certainly can.
The first word of the next verse is “nevertheless” and it introduces the thought that a solution was provided – and it was: “Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Cor. 7:6). Titus was one who was able to comfort (2 Cor. 7:6), console (2 Cor. 7:7), and render proper affections (2 Cor. 7:15). It was just what Paul needed. Titus was one who brought the light of a new day after a dark and stormy night.
The Century English Version of the Bible renders 2 Cor. 7:6 this way: “But God cheers up people in need, and that is what he did when he sent Titus to us.” God uses various means to comfort His children. In this case, it was sending Titus to Paul.
There are many in the world (and this church) who are suffering, in pain, dealing with turmoil and fear in their lives. So many times just being there for them makes such a big difference. As one lady once said, “My friend just came over, made coffee, then sat down and drank it with me. I didn’t want to talk right then, and she did not try to make me do so. She helped me a lot” (from “Personal Counseling” by Bill Flatt).
Why not let God send you to someone to help bring them a little comfort?
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY