Daily Dose of Hope

February 24, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7

Prayer: Holy and Almighty Father, We come to you today with humble hearts. We know we are broken and need you. We are weak. We are vulnerable to temptation. Lord, fill us with your strength. Give us your stamina and wisdom. We can't do this life without you, Lord. It's in the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through Paul's letters.

We are working our way through our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 7. Paul continues to express his love and dedication to the Corinthians. Despite their disobedience and their lack of confidence in him, Paul has confidence and love for them. In fact, Paul says that he would live or die with them. He is making the point that their relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ will not end with physical death. They are united for eternity. This means something!

Have you ever considered that you are united with your fellow believers for eternity? This usually brings me great joy. I've met Christians all over the world who I know I won't ever meet again in this earthly life. But yet, we will be together in heaven forever. At the same time, there are believers who I know with whom I've never quite gotten along. Guess what? I also will spend eternity with them. Our bonds as Christian brothers and sisters are strong, friends. Is there a Christian brother or sister with whom you have disagreed, and you need to make amends? Our allegiance to Jesus should always trump our individual disagreements. I'm not saying to be a doormat. However, think about the disagreement, pray about it, and see how God wants you to proceed.

There is one more concept in this chapter I wanted to mention. Paul rejoices that the Corinthians have experienced Godly sorrow and repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes between godly sorrow, which produces "repentance leading to salvation," and worldly sorrow, which leads to death. Godly sorrow is about remorse for hurting God and others, while worldly sorrow is often just regret over being caught or facing consequences. Have you experienced Godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? Can you see the difference?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki