Loving correction

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. – 2 Corinthians 7.11-12

Paul points out all the good that was done through his correction. The correction was not done primarily for the one affected or by ones doing wrong, though that was also accomplished.

What Paul really wanted was that they would repent and that Paul’s love for them might be known. Dealing with sin can seem like an only bad thing and something to avoid at all cost. Instead of that we ought to see that as an opportunity to prove the love of God and love for each other.

Like everything else it is the love of God which is to motivate us and and manifesting His love ought to be a major part of everything we do. Paul will also write the Corinthians that they are to do everything in love.

The challenge here for us is for us to stop and consider not only what our goal is in dealing a brother’s sin but what our motivation is. If it is to make him look bad or us look good than we fail.

The only motivation should be to lovingly help him correct his sin and follow the Lord.

Let everything be done in love – even dealing with sin.