Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 7:9
Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.
Thought for the Day: It sounds as if Paul is saying that no living creatures were harmed in the making of this community. Like a movie where it appeared as if animals might have been put in dangerous situations, Paul is concerned over what appears to be a connection between what he did and the people’s grief. Instead, the grief felt by the people of Corinth was self-produced. A ‘godly grief’ has its origin in the recognition of God’s grace and mercy. Overwhelmed by such love, especially in light of a life that has not been respectful of such gifts, people often respond with feelings of grief and guilt. Yet as people continue to grow in God’s grace and mercy, they discover a God who only wants them to move forward, make a change, and live unencumbered by that which is destructive.
Prayer: O Heavenly Counselor, continue to bring before me the gift of grace, so in time, I find true liberation from the power of grief and guilt. Amen.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Dinner at 5:30pm
Lenten Prayer Service at 6:20pm
Book Study at 6:40pm
