The Way - Day 080 (2 Corinthians 2)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
2 Corinthians 2
Paul continued to remind the Corinthian church that he had not personally visited them because he did not want to cause grief or pain (1:23-24) through swift disciplinary action for their wrongdoing (2:1).  Although it would have been Paul’s right to visit and demand that they change their ways, he knew that he should be patient with them and therefore used written words to share his heart for them (2:2-4).  The contents of Paul’s written letter is not entirely known; in fact, the only indication about it’s’ contents are detailed in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 and 7:5-12.  It appears that the actions of one man resulted in the severe letter written by Paul to the Corinthians, but no details are provided about the infraction which took place (2:5).  It is possible that this man had personally attacked Paul or questioned his apostolic authority, but Paul was calling for the Corinthian Christians to extend comfort and forgiveness so that this man would not become discouraged (2:6-10).  Paul knew that harboring unforgiveness or bitterness toward another person could possibly cause division within the church and Paul did not want to give Satan an opportunity to destroy the church at Corinth (2:11).

Paul then writes concerning the opportunities for ministry given to him by God (2:12-17).  He had been spreading the message of hope through Jesus Christ from city to city as he was being led by God (2:14).  Paul described spreading this message of hope as a sweet smelling fragrance (2:15), although some people reacted in different ways.  Paul writes, “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life” (2:15-16).  Paul carefully handled this message entrusted to him by God and did not want to be associated with many who were simply preaching for personal gain (2:17).  Preaching the good news about Jesus Christ with sincerity and authority was important to Paul because He knew that God was watching (2:17).

Dear God, help me to freely forgive others and preach with sincerity.