2 Corinthians 2:1–4: But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
A true shepherd, Paul had these infant churches on his heart and on his shoulders.
Paul did not want to visit the church as a stern father, but as a loving friend. The church should have brought joy to his heart, not sorrow. If he had made them sorry, how could they in turn make him glad? He wanted to give them time to make matters right in the church; then he would visit them and their fellowship would be joyful. When he wrote to them, he wrote with a pen dipped in tears. He even wept over that letter. (v. 4). (He may be referring to 1 Corinthians, or to an even sterner letter that we do not have.)
In chapter 1, Paul’s theme was abundant comfort; here it is abundant love. Where there is love, there is always the burden to see others enjoy the very best. How many times pastors weep over wayward Christians. 1
Personal Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. How deep is your concern for the church?
Godly Encouragement
- “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” –Psalm 126:5
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Tears water the prayers for the prodigals to return in full surrender to Jesus. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, I am so thankful that the heart of Paul the Pastor is revealed in Scripture.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
