devotional post # 2153

2 Corinthians 2:1-4

2Co 2:1 Because I made up my mind not to make another sorrowful visit to you.
2Co 2:2 Because if I cause you sorrow, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
2Co 2:3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer sorrow from those who should have made me rejoice, because I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
2Co 2:4 Because I wrote to you out of much suffering and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the love that I have for you even more.

the distance prescription

Paul decided that he would not make a quick visit to Corinth, even though he had a number of problems with the Corinthians that needed sorting out. Instead, he sent his responses to the list of problems by letter, and let time and distance start the healing process before he booked his tickets. The distance prescription is not always the best medicine. In fact, it appears that it did not work in this case. The Corinthians misunderstood Paul’s attempt to give them time to change as an insult.

LORD, give us the wisdom and the right words to confront our problems, not to wait until they get worse.