2 Corinthians 7
Paul was the spiritual father to the Corinthian church. After he had moved on, things in Corinth went terribly wrong. Paul had visited briefly but the visit only made things worse. He has now attempted to deal with the situation by writing a letter that Titus delivered to the church. Paul anxiously waits for Titus to return to see how the church received his rebuke and if it has made any difference. Titus informs Paul that the letter brought about godly sorrow and repentance. Paul rejoices that the church is once again on the right track. Paul is pleased that the Corinthian church expressed genuine sorrow rather than simply giving lip service. They saw the harm that their behavior had caused and desired to make a fresh start.
Many families are like the church at Corinth. Somewhere things have gone terribly wrong and the relationships among its members have broken down. In some families this is expressed by rage. Physical abuse and vulgar words erupt at family gatherings. For others this breach is expressed in passive aggressive ways. Family members are "too busy" to get together and when gathering cannot be avoided, words are expressed in platitudes with no feeling or depth or feeling behind them. Individuals tip toe around to "keep the peace" but there is no genuine unity or harmony.
Paul as the parent of this church felt it his responsibility to enter the breach and attempt to bring healing to the situation. It took courage for him to do this. He did not give up when his first attempt was a disaster. He continued to work and pray for the restoration of the Corinthian church. Often older parents are in a unique position to instigate healing in their families. It is made difficult by the fact that often this healing begins with parents expression sorrow for their own sins that have affected the family in unique ways. Most likely this will mean listening to the hurt that their children express without becoming defensive or retributive. The acts committed may have been unintentional or words said in jest. The parent may even be surprised to hear that harm was done. Sincere listening and godly sorrow as well as a desire to make things right may open up healing for the whole family. Godly sorrow opens the way for others to admit their roles in the breach. On some occasions, like Paul's, healing may require addressing sinful behaviors openly. Denial is no longer an option. Conflict resolution is difficult and something most of us would like to avoid. But, often healing does not come unless issues are directly confronted.
Helping to bring reconciliation and restoration to families is one of the difficult tasks of elderhood. It requires persistence, humility, integrity and loads of patience and love. This task must be bathed in prayer and the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit. However, as in Paul's situation, godly sorrow can result in spiritual refreshment, restored confidence in one another, and great joy for all.
When have you been required to enter the breach? What was the result?
