Chapter 7 starts off, “Since we have these promises.” What promises? Chapter 6 ended saying that if we separate ourselves, if we are holy to the Lord, then God will welcome us and be a father to us.

Since we have that promise of being welcomed into His family, of being His children, “Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

He is saying that they need to get everything out that’s not of God. They need to fear God and separate from the things of the world and unite themselves to God alone.

Without holiness, no one sees God. The American gospel says it doesn’t matter what we do because God forgives. Paul teaches us to fear God!

The Corinthian church cleanses themselves. They were grieved with godly grief. It led to repentance that led to salvation.

There was someone who needed to get free from their sin, but there was also a church that needed to stand up for righteousness.

The apostles and leaders are comforted because things have been set right and the church members were zealous for what was right and good.

Paul and the others were facing affliction on every side, even “fear within,” but God has a way of bringing relief, of timing things just right so it’s not too much to bear, so it’s not just sorrow upon sorrow. God brings comfort to them through a visit by Titus. We can be the good-news messengers that bring the apt word, the message of Life that brings comfort and encouragement when it’s most needed.

Hearing the good report, Paul, feeling like a parent, is comforted that he can have complete confidence in them.