What does 2 Corinthians 7:16 mean?

This verse wraps up Paul's praise for the Corinthians' sorrowful and repentant response to his letter of rebuke. He has just described how impressed Titus was with their obedience and attitude of humility when he was with them. Paul now declares bluntly that he has complete confidence in them. This fact causes him to rejoice.

The Corinthians' response to being rebuked for their response to a troublemaker is a model for all believers about how to turn from sin when we recognize it. Deep sadness is an appropriate starting place. Our sin comes with often devastating consequences, including the breaking of relationships with people we care about. That sadness led the Corinthians to repent, to turn away from the sin by quickly and eagerly making things right. They began to obey instead of to disobey. They did so with a sense of humility and fearful respect for their powerful God.

Paul, too, serves as a model for believers. He shows the need to sometimes engage in difficult and awkward confrontation with someone we care about over their sin. He also shows how to respond with praise, rejoicing, and renewed confidence when that person repents.