II Corinthians 2:1-8

“For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you” (v4). Paul’s deep love for the Corinthian believers motivated him to deal with ongoing sin in the community. In a previous letter (v3) he had urged the Corinthians to confront the sinner in love, and then (apparently after censure and subsequent repentance) welcome him back so that he would not be overwhelmed by “excessive sorrow” (v7).

“So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him” (v8). Godly love includes confronting the destructiveness of sin within the church and pointing one another toward grace.