Paul deals with correction and conflict in 2 Corinthians. Paul planted the church in Corinth on his second missionary trip and stayed there for eighteen months before planting other churches. Later, he received a message from a friend that the church was struggling with some problems. Paul wrote a letter with advice as he attempted to pastor this church from a distance. But it seems that the people of Corinth rejected Paul’s suggestions.
Persistent in Correction
Even though the people didn’t want to follow the advice of the letter of 1 Corinthians, Paul knew it was vital for their faith journey. So, he seems to have made a personal visit full of tension. 2 Corinthians 2:1So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit.[1] Even though it wasn’t a pleasant visit, it was necessary.
After this visit, Paul wrote another letter we don’t have a record of. 1 Corinthians 2:3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.[2]
This letter seemed to have the necessary effect. 2 Corinthians 7: 8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. [3]
Dealing in Conflict with Love
Paul tried to deal with the Corinthians out of love even though, for a time, the Corinthians didn’t return that love. 2 Corinthians 6:11 Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. 12 There is no lack of love on our part but you have withheld your love from us. [4] Paul could be persistent because he loved the Corinthians and wanted the best for them. Paul gives us a model to deal with correction and conflict. It is not unusual for those being corrected to respond in conflict. Yet, being persistent and dealing with the situation with love is possible. This is doable only with the help of God, as He gives patience and wisdom.
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[1-4]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.