DCLM Daily Manna 2023: DCLM Daily Manna 30 June 2023: Sanctifying Tears
Key Verse: “For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” – (2 Corinthians 7:11)
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 7:8-16 (KJV)
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
Scientists have only recently began to do a careful study on the amazing health benefits of bitter kola, a plant native to Central and Western Africa. Although every part of the plant has been used for medicinal purposes, its seed is more in demand. One remarkable thing about bitter kola seed is that despite its attractive white inner colour, it has a sharp bitter flavour. However, as you chew on, it ends up tasting sweet, especially when you drink water thereafter.
Bitter-to-sweet is how best to describe the experience of Apostle Paul and the Corinthian church. In his first epistle to them, Paul had rebuked them with very strong words for condoning the incestuous action of a member. Not so sure how they would take it, the Apostle was burdened about the church until he got information from Timothy that the letter produced a sweet and positive result among them. It resulted in a godly sorrow and repentance and strengthened their grip on commitment to the Lord.
For the Christian, certain experiences may at first seem bitter or unpalatable. At the end, they result in a beneficial outcome. Sometimes, the Lord allows us to pass through certain “bitter” experiences as a means of drawing our attention to a wrong step taken. At such times, it will be reasonable to do a heart-search and make amends where necessary for a sweet ending.
Unfortunately, some believers are so nonchalant and self-willed that they ignore the lessons of godly sorrow to their peril. Today, you can take a cue from the attitude of the Corinthian church and respond appropriately to God’s word, no matter how bitter it tastes to you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Dry-eye Christianity is a bane, not a blessing.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 21-22
Thank you for studying today’s Daily Manna – Sanctifying Tears – by Pastor W.F Kumuyi
Don’t forget to Follow Elanhub on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Daily Manna 30 June 2023
Comments 1