13 By all this we are encouraged.
In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16 I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Have you ever recommended to your friend something you enjoyed and then later found out that he didn’t like it at all? It’s a pretty disappointing feeling. In many ways, when that happens it can make one feel like their opinions are not dependable; that they are untrustworthy. However, that is not what happened with Paul and Titus concerning the Corinthians. Paul says he boasted about the Corinthians to Titus and his boasting was validated. He says he felt encouraged and delighted when this took place. It is no small truth that when our convictions are attested to by others whom we trust, our hearts are strengthened and we grow more confident. Nevertheless, let us not begin to believe that our opinions, though confirmed, are worth much on their own. Only when combined with faith in the Son of God can our opinions hope to safely reside in the truth.
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