2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 (NIV)
I call God as my witness—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Paul’s point is that his change of plans was not due to careless planning, but to changing circumstances. There had been an exchange of letters that seemed to anger the Corinthians, and Paul had decided that the best course of action was to delay his arrival in Corinth until tempers had cooled a bit.
We do not have Paul’s letter that had so inflamed the passions of the Corinthians. But Paul had intended it to be a corrective to some unsavory things that were happening in the Church. He hoped that his instructions to the leaders about how to handle them would resolve things so that when he arrived, he could come in joy and not judgment.
But the leadership had been defensive instead and had misread Paul’s intentions. Instead of correcting their problems, his letter had only exacerbated them, which left Paul uncertain as to how to proceed.
Paul’s motive in all his letters, including the two to Corinth that are preserved, is love for the Christians of the city. He didn’t want them to fail or to fall. He wanted them to experience all God’s fullness and all his blessings that he pours out on those who are faithful and obedient. What the Corinthians mistook for harsh judgment was intended as godly correction and encouragement.
Father, it is very easy sometimes, especially when we care very deeply about something or someone, to allow our emotions to take control of our communication, and so miscommunicate our intentions. It’s interesting to see that apparently Paul could fall into that same trap. That tells us that it can easily happen to us if we are not careful to allow ourselves to be moved and motivated by Your Spirit instead of our emotions, to allow ourselves to speak Your words clearly and directly without trying to bind them to our own intentions. Help us to always communicate in love and grace, and with Your agenda overriding all personal concerns, so that the unity and effectiveness of Your Church is maintained. Amen.