1So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Jesus, I know this was written to the Corinthians because Paul’s first letter to them scolded them, but I hear Your voice to me in this. Your Word does grieve me sometimes, but I know it is for my own good. I know You must grieve me so I can grow and in the end share a far greater joy with You. Even the fact that Paul didn’t visit them relates to You and me. Sometimes it seems like You are not here. I know You again are doing that for my good. I know in my heart, and from these words, that it grieves You also to be apart from me. You grieve me with Your Word and Your absence for my own good, but Your grief and sorrow over these actions is greater than mine! You are awesome Lord! *2Corinthians2*