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2 Corinthians 2:3-5
The Voice
2 Corinthians 2:3-5
The Voice
3 This is exactly what I was writing to you about earlier so that when we are face-to-face I will not have to wallow in sadness in the presence of friends who should bring me the utmost joy. For I felt sure that my delight would also become your delight. 4 My last letter to you was covered with tears, composed with great difficulty, and frankly, a broken heart. It wasn’t my intention to depress you or cause you pain; rather, I had hoped you would see it for what it was—a demonstration of the overwhelming love I have for all of you.
Interpersonal relationships are often filled with disagreements and tensions. It’s common to hear someone long for the “good old days” of the New Testament when things were simpler and people were holier. But Paul’s ministry proves the first-century churches were no different. They were just as full of fights, tensions, and power plays as modern churches are. We should seek to be loving but also firm when the situation demands it. We should be quick to offer forgiveness to and seek reconciliation with those who turn back from their divisive actions. That’s what Paul did.
5 But if anyone has caused harm, he has not so much harmed me as he has—and I don’t think I’m exaggerating here—harmed all of you.
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2 Corinthians 2:3-5
New International Version
2 Corinthians 2:3-5
New International Version
3 I wrote as I did,(A) so that when I came I would not be distressed(B) by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence(C) in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you(D) 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.
Forgiveness for the Offender
5 If anyone has caused grief,(E) he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.
The Voice (VOICE)
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