Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing
2 Corinthians 6:10 - This verse sums up the need for believers to keep an eternal perspective that values spiritual riches over transitory wealth in this life.
“sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.”
2 Corinthians 6:10 NIV
Today’s verse comes at the end of a long passage (2 Corinthians 6:4-10) where the Apostle Paul describes hardships — both his own, and those of many of the early Christians in Corinth to whom he is writing this epistle.
As you can see from this verse, Paul is filled with the Holy Spirit! He realizes that his faith in Jesus has given him everything, including a most joyful life even in the midst of many troubles brought on by relentless persecution by both Jews and Gentiles.
For true believers, this paradox experienced by Paul is quite common. Paul faced persecution, hardships, and conflicting emotions, but underneath that was a constant spirit of joy. Paul had a deep, steadfast faith in Jesus, and the hope of eternal life. In Galatians 5:22, joy is listed as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The life of Jesus also displays this joy in the middle of suffering: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
I recall a vivid example of joy amidst suffering that happened early in my trip back to faith. Barb and I were visiting her father, who was in hospice care at age 93. One of the other hospice patients passed away, and I expressed my condolences to his son, a man about my age. His son wasn’t sad; rather, he was overjoyed with the assurance that his father — a man of faith — was now in the presence of God! That one situation made a big impact on me, but I really didn’t understand what was going on until much later after my faith had given me “the peace that transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
In the next phrase, Paul says that he is “poor, yet making many rich”. He had given up the trappings of wealth and power that came with being one of the Sanhedrin, and instead relied both on his work as a tent-maker and the support of others to continue his ministry. Paul was as poor as the proverbial church mouse, yet in spiritual terms he was incredibly wealthy. He was sharing the gospel to everyone he met, a message of hope offering God’s grace and eternal life.
Jesus had everything, yet became a poor carpenter for our sake. Through His poverty, we became the rich inheritors (2 Corinthians 8:9) of God’s kingdom (James 2:5).
Paul’s last statement in this verse — “having nothing, and yet possessing everything” — focuses on the security and sufficiency believers have in Christ. The Christian who has nothing of material worth possesses everything of true value through his or her relationship with God. Once again, this reiterates the teaching of Jesus that treasures in heaven have far greater value than earthly possessions. (Matthew 6:19-21). Our identity in Christ provides everything needed for a godly life. (2 Peter 1:3).
This verse sums up the need for believers to keep an eternal perspective that values spiritual riches over transitory wealth in this life.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I thank You that in Christ I have gained an eternal perspective. Even in the worst difficulties, He gives me joy and inner peace. I pray that I may share the Good News with more people each and every day. AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica US, Inc.®. Used by permission.