2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 - Paul's reasons for changing his plan.

In these few verses, Paul now went on to explain the reasons for his changed plan. He began ine beagn oin verse 23 by insisting that God could be his witness that he did not vacillate. For God alone knows everyone’s motive and he was open prepared for His condemnation if he was not telling the truth.  Then he gave several reasons for his change in plan.

 

His first reason is given in 2 Corinthians 1:23. The apostle said he did it in order to “…spare you (the Corinthians)….” This was truly in keeping with the apostle’s attitude of care and love. If he had come to them he would be in such a tirade that they would not feel saved. He wanted them to feel saved rather than hurt. We all know that a wrong discovered must be punished but love would cause one to be disinclined to search out the flaws that must be punished. Love is kind in that sense.

 

In verse 24 he gave his second reason. He wanted to come and labor among them and not lord over them. To him the time to visit was not conducive and would not give him the latitude to achieve his purpose of ministry. In the kind of state the Corinthians was in at that point, Paul could not be gentle in his dealing. Hence his dealing with them would be seen as lording over them. He didn’t want to dictate over them but would rather labor among them as God’s servant, to help them achieve joy and stability in their faith. Like Paul we must be conscious that the only Lord the church has is the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

In 2 Corinthians 2:1 we see his third reason. His plan was changed because as he said, “…I would not come to you in sorrow again.” The apostle wanted a pleasant encounter and not a sorrowful or painful one. Paul had already made a painful visit and was grieved by it. He changed his plans because he did not want a replicate of the same experience. He stated that his preference was for a joyful visit rather than an unpleasant one.

 

Now in 2 Corinthians 2:4, Paul wrote to let them know the depth of his love for them. Obviously Paul was grieved by his first visit to them and it was painful. The letter he wrote after that visit reflected how distressed and anguished his heart was. It was precisely out of the depth of this love for them that he changed his plans.

 

The motivation of Paul was love for the people. While love is all the time tender it ought to be tough when the time calls for it. Knowing these two sides of love will definitely help us not to dismiss it when tough love is shown.  Let us remember to serve with love.