Happy Sad

Scott Beyer
05/23/23 - Bulletin

“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance.” (2 Corinthians 7:9)

            In his second letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wanted to make his intentions clear.  He never rejoiced in their sorrow, but he did find joy that their sadness made them do something about their sins.

            Every emotion has a purpose.  One function of sadness is its ability to cause us to rise up and want to change our circumstances.  Sadness, typically, leads us to do things to try and stop being sad.  In the Corinthians’ case, their grief led them to change their behavior – and that’s fantastic!

            If you are unhappy, it may be time to do something about what has happened.  Sometimes we are unhappy because we have been making unhealthy choices, and sin has borne poisonous fruit in our lives.  If that is the case, let sadness trigger repentance.  

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:6-16

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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