“Confidence In Him In You”

2 Cor. 7:16 "I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you."

Paul is often encouraging and convicting at the same time. This verse precedes a chapter about giving, and I must remind myself that in his original letter there are no chapters or verses which means we can sometimes miss connections in the flow of his message. Frankly Paul is rejoicing in reflection about their joyful connection with Titus and in advance about his confidence that when he shares a giving need, they will respond joyfully and generously.

Whenever I have confidence in anyone it is because I have confidence in Christ in them. This is what Paul is referring to also. As Paul says in Philippians 1:6 "He that began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." Though this verse is referring to spiritual completion in the hereafter it is also true of the Lord's work in and through us here too.

We are too "gun shy" to speak enough about giving needs and admittedly the "church" through the years has too often made it too much about that. Paul is trying to warm them up and be tactful because giving needs are never easy to talk about candidly. But I shall take a pointer from Paul and say that "I also rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you." No matter what it is. Eternal or temporal things. Sharing joys or sharing needs you will be obedient to Him who prompts you. He who is in you. If you like, read Chapter 8 for yourself and your will see what Paul is prefacing in our devotional verse for today.

In His Word with you,

Pastor Fred