The exercise of love and compassion can sometimes require decisions and actions on our part that are quite difficult and painful, for us as well as for those we care about. Rarely are they understood or appreciated at the time, and almost never are we given any assurance or guarantee of a positive outcome. That is simply the nature of tough love. The evolving crisis in the church at Corinth had forced Paul to make a difficult change of plans and take painful actions, that had opened the door to both harsh criticism from his opponents and misunderstanding from those he cared for. In 2 Corinthians 2:1-13, Paul defends that change of plans as being what can only be described as “A Severe Mercy”, as he shares the difficult but redemptive reason and purpose for why God had clearly and specifically redirected him.
Glorifying God by Encouraging
All People to Pursue a Lifelong,
Joyous Relationship with Jesus Christ