2 Corinthians 2:3-4 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
Here was Paul’s fear: that the Corinthians would not listen to him and that he would suffer pain and sorrow because of it. He hoped they would respond in the right way, which would lead to him rejoicing. He was confident that they would do the right thing in response to this new letter he was writing. Paul wrote a painful letter, which could have been 1 Corinthians or a lost letter. Confronting people can be painful, whether that is in writing or in person. Sometimes it is easier to write something strong than to say it in front of people’s faces. The shift to plural suggests that indeed v. 2 was more situational and inclusive and not speaking about a specific person. There may have been a group of people who were causing problems in the church. Yet, Paul writes to the whole church. This was a corporate issue that involved different people. Paul’s motive in all of this was not to cause the Corinthians pain but to help them grow. He loved them so much that he was willing to risk a painful visit and a painful letter. If people can see our pure and loving motives, that should speak powerfully about the need to change. If we have to confront someone, we must make sure that our hearts are full of love.
For older posts, click here.