OUT OF LOVE.
2 Corinthians 7:8-10
8 I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. 9 Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
It's funny how I just told one of my student regarding apologies. She cussed out loud and I stared at her, making her think that I was offended by what she just said. Then she immediately said "sorry". I told her that sorry means she will not do it again. I've told this to many of students how sorry means to turn away from what was done wrong, and to never to do it again, otherwise, it won't be a real apology.
In the same way, Paul was saying the same thing to the people of Corinth. There are times that we have to literally be hurt by telling our loved ones what ought to be done. When we rebuke someone or correct someone (in love) for what they did wrong, we get hurt because we know that they are hurt. However, sometimes, it is necessary. We can't love people all the way to hell (by allowing them to do wrong things over and over) - that won't be real love.
One thing popped in my head when I read the passage - the youth committee. There are probably some of them who are "not making it" to the standards of what it should be. I ought to correct them, possibly, let them go, have them take a break or just plainly rebuke them so they'll straighten up in their walk with God. I need to tough-en myself. Though it could cost me a lot, I know that they will one day understand how much I care for their lives. Everything in me, everything that I do, must only be driven by love and care. I only must do what is OUT OF LOVE, not any other reason.
:: Lord, please guide my thoughts as I ponder the different things I have to do for the youth. Even in crucial moments when I have to correct someone or rebuke someone, I pray that Your love will bleed through my words, my actions, and my reactions. I pray that You will just empower me so I can be more effective even if I have to be stern in my decisions. Thank you Jesus for guiding me through and for always leading me to what You need me to do. Truly Your word is true that when we commit everything to you, You always direct our steps. All this I lift up to You in Jesus' name, amen.
