Day 76
Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-17
Just and Merciful
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Just and Merciful 〰️
Reflections
There’s an African proverb that says, “When an elder beats a child with the right hand, they use the left hand to draw the child close,” reminding us that discipline must be balanced with love. While correction is essential, how it’s done matters just as much.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul spent a good portion rebuking their excesses and teaching them to confront sin. But in his second letter, he carefully balances that with a call for forgiveness. Confrontation must always be followed by restoration. Timothy Keller, in The Meaning of Marriage, beautifully captures this balance: “One of the most basic skills in marriage is the ability to tell the straight, unvarnished truth about what your spouse has done—and then, completely, unself-righteously, and joyously express forgiveness without a shred of superiority, without making the other person feel small.” And this principle applies to every kind of relationship. In fact, forgiveness should precede confrontation. It’s not healthy to keep holding a wrongdoing over someone, especially when they’ve repented. True forgiveness shows itself when we confront not out of anger or a need to vent, but from a sincere desire to see the other person grow and change.
Truth without love is dangerous. It either provokes defensiveness or causes people to withdraw. That’s why, when we speak the truth, it must be wrapped in genuine love, not superiority. In this, we reflect God’s own heart — firm in truth, but always rich in mercy.
Study Questions
From this passage, what are some examples of Satan’s schemes or strategies that Paul warns against?
Paul uses the imagery of the Roman triumph (victory procession) in 2:14-16. Research what a Roman triumph was and identify the parallels between this event and Paul’s description of our victory and witness in Christ.
What does Paul mean by the fragrance of Christ? According to 2:14-17, what perspective and attitude should we carry in our service and ministry as followers of Christ?
What did you learn about God’s nature, His ways and His will from today’s reading?
Highlight
“so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” 2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV
