The Grace of Forgiveness and the Privilege of Pleasing God

If you recall...

Last week, we left off that Paul had intended to come visit the Corinthians, right? But for their sakes, he changed his mind.

This is yet another reminder of Paul's great love for them, but he was never, ever afraid to correct them.

But he always corrected them in love.

Now, this is something that I know every single parent does.

There's really no joy in repeatedly having to discipline our children, is there? But it's because we love them so much that we do it, even when it makes us sad and it makes them sad.

We're responsible parents and we do it.

And I really actually believe this is just a bit of what Paul might have been feeling towards the Corinthian church at that time.

Paul was willing to correct the believers when it was necessary, but it didn't bring him any joy.

When they were sad, he was sad because he really loved them.

Paul's last visit, if you recall, had been a very painful visit.

It was painful also, though, for the Corinthians, because it appears that at that time he had openly confronted a false prophet, someone who had perhaps directly insulted Paul publicly.

And no one, no one from the church whom he loved deeply, no one defended him, which would have greatly, greatly upset the apostle and hurt him.

And that is a painful experience, isn't it? When people whom you believe are on your side, you think they're your friends, you know they're your friends.

You know they believe the same things you do, and you love them.

And they return your love, but they stay silent when you're attacked.

And maybe even agree with your attacker.

This kind of thing actually feels like a betrayal, and it can cause disunity, and it can damage relationships.

David actually wrote about this in Psalm 55, verses 12 through 14, when he also was betrayed by a very close friend.

But that psalm concludes with this.

Cast your burden upon Yahweh, and he will sustain you.

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

I will trust in you.

Well, Paul does allude to the pain that he experienced while reaffirming his love for them and his trust in God, just like David.

He says, for out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears, not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have abundantly for you.