2 Corinthians chapter 7 gives some insight into the type of relationship that Paul has with the Corinthian church. It was not always an easy one- Paul had to give some severe words to them. To some relationships, this could cause fractures and distance, from each other and from God. But Paul’s words were from a place of concern for their holiness, for what ways and to what extent they belong to God. And we learn that the right response to this kind of loving advice is not to express temporary sorrow and continue on, but that we are to see it as an invitation to godly sorrow, the kind that brings us to a changed lives living after God’s heart. And we rejoice in the fact that we are invited into this kind of mending of relationship with God through his kindness and forgiveness extended out to us through Jesus.