“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
Message
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.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
5 comments
The voice text is correct, but the written is wrong.
The voice text is correct, but the written is wrong.
I am blessed and revived with the Teachings
My strength is renewed day by day through this message,praise the Lord
This is powerful I’m revived
Amen!