For behold what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.
So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God. For this reason we have been comforted. 2 Corinthians 7:11-13
We all need correction and accountability in our lives. The apostle Paul brought correction to the church in Corinth through an earlier letter. It caused contention and produced in them many other feelings… fear and indignation. But, in the end, righteousness, zeal, and longing for Paul himself emerged. The opposite of love is not hate, its apathy. Paul loved the believers enough to confront them with truth and righteousness… always in a firm but kind manner. He is a wonderful example for us all.
Am I engaged in both encouraging and correcting?
God, You are so good at growing into the people You desire. Help me discern Your will and inspire, encourage, and correct others as they take their steps of spiritual growth.
