What does 2 Corinthians 7:6 mean?

Paul has described his great distress while waiting for Titus to return from his visit to the Corinthians. Paul was worried and fearful for several reasons. For one, he had sent Titus with a severe letter of rebuke for the Corinthians about his previous, painful visit with them. He had instructed them to correct an influential man among them guilty of sin. How would they receive Paul's letter? Would they reject him and his correction? Would they repent and change course? Paul may also have been concerned about Titus' well-being since Titus failed to show up for an arranged meeting with Paul in Troas. On top of all of that, Paul and his co-workers may have been afflicted by additional opposition in Macedonia that contributed to his stress.

Now, though, Paul reports that God provided for him great comfort when Titus returned with his good report from Corinth, resolving both the issue of Titus' safety and the Corinthians' response to Paul's letter. The following verses will reveal that the Corinthians did, indeed, repent from their sin and express their love for Paul.

It's important to notice that Paul openly admitted to experiencing fear and great emotional distress. In doing so, he acknowledges that these states of mind may be experienced by believers, including those in ministry. Christians may experience feeling downcast sometimes. That is not evidence that God has abandoned them or that they are being sinful.

It is equally important to notice that Paul describes God as the one who comforts the downcast or discouraged. This is from the Greek term tapeinous, which implies something placed low, humbled, or reduced. God is the ultimate source of comfort for believers who are experiencing emotional distress. That is one of the ways He provides for His children.