BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

It’s much easier to cut and run, but love tends to stick. Paul is writing to Corinth, again, and love takes center stage, again.

After Paul’s last visit to Corinth, which turned out to be a time of painful confrontation, happiness is in short supply. Plus he had previously mentioned plans to visit them, but he changed those plans to avoid another painful confrontation (2 Cor. 2:1-2). So Paul takes up his pen instead, trying to do the hard, vulnerable work of reconciliation.

First, he attempts to reconcile himself to the Corinthians. He explains that he’s uninterested in stirring up more grief. He knows his letters felt aggressive, even abrasive, but he assures everyone that he wrote from a posture of loving concern, not judgmental condemnation.

So this letter to Corinth, 2 Corinthians, aims to reassure people that Paul’s love and commitment to their well-being are strong and ongoing.

Then Paul attempts to create a new kind of reconciliation within the community. Apparently, someone from Corinth wronged Paul, but he refuses to hold a grudge. He encourages the community to discontinue any further rebuke or social shaming of the person who did wrong and restore this person to fellowship instead. He says it will be that kind of forgiveness and love, not condemnation, that pushes back against the Satan’s dark schemes.

Relational bonds strain and sometimes break. By trusting the truth of Jesus’ Gospel, especially his resurrection, people can bring healing, restoration, and reconciliation. This will always brighten a world suffering under the darkness of shattered relationships and broken communities.

Watch today’s video for a preview of 2 Corinthians and the way Paul’s belief in the resurrection spurs him to reconcile with his difficult but beloved church.

Reflection Questions

• Paul faces rejection from the Corinthians because they have a distorted value system. Take a moment to reflect on the value system of your own context. Where do the teachings of Jesus conflict with these values? What values does the gospel prioritize?
• Meditate on Paul’s prayer for comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-7). Where does Paul find comfort in the midst of his suffering? How does the Gospel transform Paul’s experience of suffering?