Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 7:11. It’s a pretty serious message about our attitude and how we handle conflict. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that when we struggle with anger, resentment, or even a desire for revenge, we need to actively work at being clear and righteous in our thoughts and actions – almost like we’re trying to be perfect in how we react. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For behold this selfsame thing…” - This is a way of saying "let me explain..." or “this is the point.” It’s reminding us that we’re dealing with a specific situation – a conflict or disagreement. “…that ye sorrowed after a godly sort…” – This means we should be showing remorse, regret, and a desire to do what’s right . “Godly sort” is a key word here - it suggests a moral standard of righteousness. "...what carefulness it wrought in you..." – This highlights that we didn't just feel something; we put effort into handling it. It's like saying, "You spent time and energy trying to resolve this." "...yea, [what] clearing of yourselves…” - This refers to taking a step back from the argument or conflict . It’s not about ignoring someone – it’s about consciously deciding to stop being consumed by anger and resentment. "...yea, [what] releasing of indignation..." – This speaks to letting go of the burning rage or frustration that comes with feeling wronged or angry. It's about letting the emotion subside. "...yea, [what] fear...” - This acknowledges that sometimes anger can be fueled by fear – fear of losing something, fear of being hurt, etc. "...yea, [what] vehement desire..." – This means not having a strong, impulsive need to get even . It’s about controlling the intensity of our emotions. "...yea, [what] zeal...” – This is the most important part. “Zeal” refers to passionate energy or enthusiasm, but here it's being used to describe a focused and determined effort to do what's right. It’s about wanting to resolve the issue fairly and justly. "...yea, [what] revenge!” – This is where it gets tricky. The verse says we have approved ourselves to be clear in this matter . This isn’t necessarily saying we should seek revenge. It means we've actively chosen a path of righteousness and control over our reactions. "...In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” – This is the crucial part! It says that through these actions (taking care, letting go, controlling emotions), we’ve shown ourselves to be righteous in how we handle conflict . We're demonstrating a commitment to doing what’s right. In essence, the verse encourages us to: Control our emotions. Take responsibility for our reactions. Choose a path of righteousness and justice. Why is this important? The verse emphasizes that true love – and true Christian character – involves not allowing anger or resentment to control us. It’s about seeking reconciliation and peace, not about revenge. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give a real-life example of how this verse might be applied?