2 Corinthiansنموونە

Paul knows that something else might still stand between him and the Corinthians: the "tearful letter" mentioned in the introduction. A letter he wrote with a heavy heart and through tears—because he knew his words would deeply hurt the church. But he could not remain silent, because it concerned important issues that could not be swept under the rug.

In retrospect, Paul is glad that he wrote this letter. For the Corinthians did not reject his words, but allowed themselves to be corrected by them. The very thing that hurt them at first ultimately became a blessing to them.

For Reflection
Sometimes it is necessary to speak unpleasant truths out of love—even if it could mean tension or even a break in the relationship. But the motivation is crucial: Am I saying something to be right? Or because the other person is truly dear to my heart?

The love that honestly addresses what is not right risks a lot—but it does so because it considers the other person too precious to remain silent.