2 Corinthians 2

Daily Devotional from 2 Corinthians 2--

Verse 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.

Sometimes love hurts. Sometimes we must act in a way toward our loved ones that  causes them pain, but is for their benefit. This is sometimes known as “tough love.” It may hurt us as much or more than it hurts them. Have you ever heard the phrase, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you”, spoken before a parent applies corporal punishment?

As parents, we want our children to like us, and certainly don’t want to cause them pain. But sometimes our responsibilities as a parent require us to deny something to our children we think might be harmful. Or it may require a rebuke for inappropriate behavior. 

Or maybe, it’s a friend that needs to hear a corrective word. 

When this correction is required, follow Paul’s example and let them know you are not doing this because you want to hurt them, but because of your concern for them.  

Rick Bolesta