2 Corinthians 6:10

As sorrowful. Paul seems to have cause for nothing but melancholy. For him, however, sorrow and joy are not mutually exclusive alternatives, for he knows how to be glad in the midst of tribulation. He rejoices in God’s providential leading, even when he has cause for sorrow. This attitude reflects the mind of Christ (Rom. 12:12; Phil. 4:4, 11; Heb. 2:10–18). Christianity not only sustains the soul in the hour of trial but imparts the spirit of joyful triumph and fills the mind with assurance and hope. (Isa. 61:3).

Paul’s spirit of triumph is perhaps best set forth in the book of Philippians, whose key word is “rejoice.” Yet when he wrote that book Paul was in prison, deserted, alone, and in danger of immediate execution. The true Christian can always rejoice in a good conscience, in a pure and noble mind, in divine favor, and in the salvation of his fellow men (Heb. 12:2). He has learned to be content, whatever he may be called upon to endure (Phil. 4:11). A life of contentment and joy is the Christian’s inalienable birthright. To be delivered from the power of sin and the hands of Satan, to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Rom. 8:37), to be saved “to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25)—all this is cause enough for a life of joy and happiness.

Poor. That is, “poor in spirit” (see on Matt. 5:3). To the secular eye, Paul was poor indeed, but to the spiritual eye he was rich. He had suffered the loss of all things (1 Cor. 4:11; Phil. 3:7, 8; 4:12). It has generally been the choice and lot of Christians to remain poor in material things. Believers at Jerusalem willingly surrendered their earthly wealth (Acts 2:44, 45; 3:6; 5:1–3). Life cannot be estimated by appearances. As far as God’s kingdom is concerned, things are not what they seem. Men become truly rich, not by keeping, but by giving (see on Prov. 11:24). They are made rich with the unsearchable riches of Christ (Isa. 55:1, 2; Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 8:9; Eph. 3:8; 1 Tim. 6:18). They become rich by conferring Heaven’s blessings on others (Isa. 58:6–14).

Possessing all things. In Christ the believer becomes heir and possessor of all things (Matt. 5:5; 16:25; 19:29; Mark 10:28–30; Rom. 8:17; 1 Cor. 3:21–23; Rev. 3:21). The gospel enriches men with noble thoughts, high purposes, elevating hopes, divine fellowship, purity of heart, harmony of being, the ability to enjoy all that God has made. See on Matt. 6:24–34.