The Pain of Love

23 But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
2 For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? 3 And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4 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.
2 Co 1:23–2:4
+
The Pain of Love
Paul’s words to the Corinthians reveal the pain and love that often accompany faithful ministry. He held back from visiting them to spare them further grief, demonstrating a pastor’s heart, compassionate yet resolute in addressing sin. In a world that prefers comfort to correction, Paul shows us that love sometimes means risking sorrow for the sake of truth. Through the lens of the cross, we see the ultimate example of love that suffers for others. Christ bore unimaginable pain, not as condemnation, but as love poured out for our redemption. The heart of ministry reflects this sacrificial love, echoing Christ’s self-giving even when it may bring tears and hardship. As we share God’s truth in our relationships, may we remember Paul’s example. Real love, rooted in Christ’s cross, sometimes wounds, but only to heal, always leading us to the One who forgives, restores, and strengthens our faith.