The Encarta Dictionary defines discretion as:
1. ability to avoid offense…
the good judgment and sensitivity needed to avoid embarrassing or upsetting others
Paul used discretion in deciding to write the Church at
So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. 2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. 3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. 2 Corinthians 2:1 - 4 (NLT)
You and I could learn a lot from how Paul handled this difficult situation. Over and over he proclaimed his love for the people in the church at
- Out of love, Paul used an approach that wouldn’t lead to an angry situation.
- Out of love, Paul tells the people in 2 Corinthians 2:5 to start loving on the man who had sinned again, so he wouldn’t get too discouraged.
Notice, that in Paul’s approach, he directed some of the “blame” for not coming to himself by saying, “who will make me glad.” He was very gentle in dealing with this situation and yet, did not ignore it or water down the scriptures demand to be holy.
Paul was following his own advice that we find in his letter to the church at
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Phil. 2:3b
Paul, by exercising discretion, kept the door open for further ministry with the Corinthians, and kept their ministry to others free from the chains of anger and mistrust.
SEEK FIRST THE
