Daily Devotional for Monday, September 7

The Purpose for This Letter

“But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me,” 2 Corinthians 2:1, 2.
Have you ever needed to write a letter to communicate your feelings or needs? I am sure many of you have. Usually, you might decide to write a letter to someone close to you because it will be better received than talking to him in person. A letter helps a person to stop and think. It helps them to see you in the situation and not just himself. It helps to dissipate any difficult or judgmental thoughts. Sometimes a letter is the best way to handle a situation, and in this case, Paul thought so too.
Paul reached out to the Corinthians with love and concern. He was not afraid to go to them, but rather if he was going to see them in person, he wanted the visit to be pleasant and full of sweet fellowship. Maybe he thought that in receiving the letter they would understand his heart. When the time came for him to see them again, it would be a warm welcome.
Paul loved everyone in the churches he either visited or else wrote them a letter. His only motive was to show love, bring encouragement, and build each other up through the fellowship of the Word. Like Paul, this should also be your motive.
Whichever way you think it is necessary to address a situation, it should be done with love. First Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all your things be done with charity.” (Charity has the same Greek meaning as love.) With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to say harsh but truthful things to others in love. Yet, speak it or write it to help them; not to alleviate any ill feelings you have.

Something to Think About
God calls you to bring reconciliation.

Karry Irizarry