1 Corinthians 4:21
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
This verse sounds odd being in the Bible. It is strong language. Is this an empty threat? Could Paul really come with a belt and spank the Corinthians? They deserved it because of their childish behavior. I have told my kids that if they want to act like a child, I will treat them like a child. If they want to be treated as an adult, they need to act like one. I think that is more or less what Paul is telling the Corinthians here. His response to them will correspond to how they respond to his letter delivered through Timothy. The stakes were high. The vitality and witness of the church was at stake. The next topic Paul takes up in ch. 5 shows the seriousness of how sin was infiltrating the church. This was no laughing matter. Something drastic had to take place quick. I wonder if in the church we tend to soft coat things and gloss over matters that can destroy the church if left unchecked. We certainly do this in our own lives and families. Unchecked and unconfessed sin will eat through us like food coloring penetrating dough. There are times for tough love. If it is not tough, then is it really love? A positive response to our pleas will heal the brokenness. Refusal to repent can and may be should lead to rejection.
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