2 Corinthians 6:1-18; ; 2 Corinthians 7:1
"Much patience" is a commendation of the servant of God (that is to say every believer, v. 4; 2 Corinthians 12:12). Better than all the talking, the way in which Paul endured his trials proved the value of his Gospel. He suffered for something that was worth the trouble.
What a strange person the Christian is! In a way he has two faces. In the eyes of the world, he appears dishonourable, deceptive, unknown . . . sorrowful, poor, having nothing. And what is he before God? true, well known, living, always rejoicing, last of all possessing all things! (vv. 8-10). That is his true face.
The exhortations which follow can appear to be narrow and severe. But they come from the wide-open heart of the apostle (v. 11). The word separation discourages us and yet whoever talks about holiness means separation for God (Leviticus 20:26). To achieve the one (7:1) is necessarily equivalent to practising the other. Separation from the world (vv. 14, 5) does not only apply to this or that ill-matched wedding plan. Separation from the religious world (vv. 16-18) offers priceless rewards: the presence of the Lord Jesus "in the midst" of His own people and the enjoyment of a sacred relationship with God our Father. Finally (7:1) there is to be separation from evil in all its forms.