“And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 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.“

2 Corinthians 2:3-4

Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians was a letter that seemed harsh. Paul rebuked several practices and causes of division within the church such as the false superiority of those with “greater” spiritual gifts, the practice and approval of sexual immorality, differences of opinion over what foods were clean to eat, etc. A quick reading of the letter may result in the view that Paul was condemning and putting down his brethren in the church. But as the above passage from the second letter of Corinth shows, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Paul’s words in the first letter were written with tears and intense passion for his God and the unity of his family. Paul wanted to be able to enjoy the fellowship of knowing and seeking Christ together with the brethren of the church. He saw the divisions within the church over petty and insignificant matters as devastating to its unity and God’s purpose of love between His children.

Similarly, this is God’s heart throughout the entire Bible. We may read the Bible and come to the conclusion that God is an over-bearing taskmaster who loves to punish those who don’t follow every single command He gives them. We may read the books of the prophets and conclude that God is malevolent and loves to ruin those He loves. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Behind every command of God is the God who spoke it and the God who is the only one who can help us live it out. Behind every rebuke of God is a God full of compassion and longing for His children to be in relationship with Him and each other. Behind every word of judgment toward His people is God pleading through the prophets for them to turn back to Him so He can be the gracious and merciful God He is in forgiving their sins and letting them rest in His love. Is this how we view God and His Word? Or do we still think He only wants to put us down and condemn us?

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

Psalm 19:7-8