All Things NewSample

If there’s one thing about studying 2 Corinthians that’s challenged me personally, it’s that Paul doesn’t shy away from difficult relationships. We’ll get into this further, but the Corinthians had some issues with Paul, and his not showing up when he said he would was one of them. But before Paul jumps into an explanation of his actions, he first establishes his heart toward them. 

The church had not responded well to Paul in 1 Corinthians. Paul’s ministry co-laborer, Timothy, had visited the Corinthians after Paul wrote that letter, reporting significant problems—moral issues, corrupted beliefs, and relational factions, to name a few. As a result Paul sailed from Ephesus to Corinth to deal with the Corinthians in person, which he’ll refer to in 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 as a “sorrowful visit.”

Today’s text reveals the Corinthians had questioned Paul’s motives for not coming. Although he loved them dearly, a band of opponents had stirred up the Corinthian church, casting doubt about the true and sincere nature of Paul’s devotion. Might I insert here that, for me, this is the worst. I hate to be misunderstood, especially in a situation where I’ve actually bent over backwards, sacrificed, stood up, or went out on a limb for someone. I’m not saying this happens to me often, but when it does I wrestle with two basic decisions: 1. Do I trust the Lord with my reputation, resting in a clear conscience before Him (v. 12)? 2. Can I continue to love those who have accused me? 

It’s usually not meant positively when someone tells you you’re being defensive about something. We may think the only godly response is to remain silent and never explain ourselves. (Proverbs 9:8 says not to rebuke a mocker.) But sometimes explaining our actions is not only appropriate, but also vital to the relationship. So how do you know if you should defend yourself or not? Here’s a litmus test I use: If defending myself is motivated by self-protection and characterized by pride, anger, fear, or self-righteousness, it’s most likely from my flesh. Whereas, if defending myself is motivated by love for the other person and characterized by clarity, humility, kindness, and sincerity, it’s from the Spirit. Note throughout our letter that Paul was clearly defending himself, not for self-defense’s sake, but for the love of the Corinthians. 

What is your default reaction when you’re misunderstood or falsely accused?