- Read the memory text (2 Cor 2:4). There is clearly a conflict between Paul and the Corinthians, and Paul repeatedly says that the context of the conflict is his deep love for the Corinthian church. Why is conflict an inevitable feature of true love between people?
- Can you share an example of a time you were involved in a conflict that was driven by love for the other?
- Paul is hurt because the Corinthians accused him of lacking integrity after he changed his plans regarding a visit to the Corinthians. In psychology, the fundamental attribution error refers to our tendency to explain the negative actions of others by their character, but the negative actions of ourselves by situational factors, e.g., “She did not call me back because she’s rude and inconsiderate,” but “I did not call you back yet because I’ve been so busy.” To what extent should a Christian fight against this tendency and instead “assume good intent” in our relationships? Why? Explain your answer.
- Second Corinthians shows us what Paul decided to do about his hurt. How would you describe his response?
- Paul recounts that he was flogged 5 times, beaten 3, stoned once, shipwrecked 3 times, and in danger constantly, to bring the gospel to people such as the Corinthians. Their response? “Yeah, but you cancelled a pastoral visit with us.” What must this have been like for Paul? To what extent have you seen church members holding leaders to impossible standards, or only judging them through the lens of the member’s pet axes to grind? Have you ever lost a good leader this way?
- Paul digs deep into his own God-redeemed sufferings to express patient empathy to the Corinthians and try to comfort them. Ellen White, speaking of the best Christian “comforters,” makes the same point, writing that “such ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions.” How has your personality been “chastened and sweetened” by God-redeemed sufferings? Can you share a specific example of how you’ve been changed?
- Paul often writes about the Christian concept of “winning” and how it differs from the worldly concept of “winning.” For example, when Titus tells him the Corinthian church is back on track, Paul is overjoyed at this “win” for Christ (2 Cor 7:7). Similarly, in multiple places Paul inverts the image of the Roman triumphal procession (Roman generals paraded their conquered prisoners through the city) and says it is Christ who leads a truly triumphal procession, and the disciples are his “captives” (2 Cor 2:14; 1 Cor 4:9). Where do you see the contrast between a worldly understanding of “winning” and an authentically Christian understanding of “winning” in today’s world?
