2 Corinthians 7:13b-14 And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.
Two significant things are happening in verse 13. First, Paul sent Titus to Corinth to check on the church. The Corinthians evidently accepted Titus and his spirit was refreshed by them. When Titus met Paul, Paul was comforted by the good news. The key word “comfort” is used again in this verse. The reaction of the Corinthians had a direct impact on Paul and his companions through the agency of Titus. The Corinthians responded positively to Titus and thereby brought comfort to Paul.
Second, Titus’ spirit was revived through all of this. How people receive us often impacts our sense of well-being and spiritual condition. If people reject us or have negative actions towards us, we can begin to feel depressed or discouraged. It is difficult to have spiritual revival with pessimists. This may be why many people and churches do not experience spiritual renewal: someone or some persons in the church are negative and not encouraging.
Paul had confidence in the Corinthians when he sent Titus to them. He told Titus to expect a positive response from them. This was risky, but he believed in the best from them. He was not disappointed or put to shame by their response. They came through and were true to what God had been doing through transforming grace. They were not resistant but pliable clay.
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