The Truth Hurts

For Women By Women

By Missy Clark

January 9, 2026

2 Corinthians 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry….

I guess that none of us particularly enjoy being corrected, especially when the correction is the truth. How should we respond? Should we let our hackles go up along with our blood pressure? Is it ok to let pride seep in as we declare our innocence and make excuses? Should we turn the tables and point out corrections back at the messenger?

In 2 Cor. 7:8-12 Paul shows us how he felt about giving the truth to the church at Corinth, and how they responded. He felt bad about their sorrow, but he knew it was needed. God had directed Paul to tell of their error. He corrected them, scolded them even, told them directly what they were doing wrong. He told the truth, and the truth can hurt sometimes. The people then had a choice to make after hearing the truth. They could ignore it, or get prideful, or they could do something to fix the problem.

Paul was so happy to find out that they repented!  Verse 11, it shows how they grew through it!

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

We too have a choice to make when the truth hits us. We can ignore it and sweep it under the rug. We can make excuses for it; we can lie and get ourselves out of trouble temporarily. 

OR…we can face the truth, let go of our pride, and repent of our sin.

Reflection—The truth CAN hurt sometimes, but never let that stop you from accepting truth in your own life.