Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
The promises that he refers to from the previous chapter are that God will be a father to us and we will be his sons and daughters if we are not yoked to the world. They are very great and precious promises indeed!
In light of those promises, there is a great call to holiness - separation from sin and all that defiles both body and spirit. Sins certainly defile our spirit. Some objects, activities and places that are tainted with or from sin can defile our bodies. Paul describes sexual immorality as a sin that also defiles our bodies. Objects devoted to destruction such as idols or objects used to perform sin can have a stain of sin on them that effect us. Other passages tell us to hate even the clothing stained by sin. These statements are all made to protect us and not condemn us, to be a caution not a law.
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
2 Corinthians 7:2-4
It is interesting to see how Paul talks to the believers. They are instructive for parents and leaders in various areas.
He makes a command but then softens it by explaining that he is not saying this to condemn but in fact he has already said that he loves them enough to die for them. He says also that he is proud of them. He recalls their actions and praises three things that they have done that are good. Sometimes we wonder as parents if we should say that we are proud of our children to them because isn't pride bad? We see that there is a good form of pride. A pride not in one's self but a pride rather in the good actions of others, especially those who we may oversee in some way.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
A good compare and contrast in different types of sorrow. Godly sorrow comes from conviction of wrong and leads to repentance. Worldly sorrow is from condemnation and leads to despair and hopelessness.
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