1. 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? 
2. Can you share an example of a time you were involved in a conflict that was driven by love for the other?
3. 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.
4. Second Corinthians shows us what Paul decided to do about his hurt. How would you describe his response?
5. 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?
6. 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?
7. 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?

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-love-driven-ministry-discussion-starters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=9-love-driven-ministry-discussion-starters

Photograph by William Earnhardt

Prepared for Sabbath School class on August 29.

Key Text: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you” (2 Corinthians 2:4, NKJV).

Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 1:3-14.

Study: Why does Paul have an attitude of thanksgiving, and what exactly is he thankful for?

Apply: How has God comforted you, and even made you thankful during some of the worst storms of your life? How have these experiences helped you to comfort others?

Share: Share a time when your well-meaning motives were misunderstood and misjudged by others. Share how this has taught you to be careful about judging the motives of others.

Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 and 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:4.

Study: What were Paul’s original travel plans, and how did they change? How did some of the people interpret his change of plans?

Apply: When he could not visit as planned, Paul wrote to the Corinthians out of much love, but some thought he was writing instead of visiting, because he did not care enough to visit. When making your own plans, how far out of your way do you go to avoid letting people misconstrue or be offended by your choices? How can considering the feelings of others be wise, and how can it be foolish?

Share: Share a time when you thought a teacher or parent was out to get you, only to realize later that they had your best interest in mind.

Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 and 2 Corinthians 7:5-13.

Study: Why did Paul write to the Corinthians, and how did the Corinthians respond? What was Paul’s reaction to their response?

Apply: The church in Corinth could love the offender (2 Cor. 2:8) because he was the object of God’s love through Paul’s love. What does this teach us about love?

Share: Your friend says that she has noticed a trend of disciplining children without making them feel shame, fear, or any negative feelings. How can this be good? How could it be bad? How do you respond to your friend’s observation?

Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 2:12-15.

Study: Where did Paul go after writing “the severe letter” to them? What did he do there? What was Paul’s reaction upon meeting Titus in Macedonia and hearing about the positive response of the Corinthians?

Apply: What motivates you in all that you do, especially when you do it in the name of Jesus?

Share: Your friend asks, How can we be sure our ministry is motivated by love and not selfish motives? What do you tell your friend?

Mission: Can you take a few moments this week to write a thoughtful letter to someone thanking them for correcting your out of love?

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-love-driven-ministry-sabbath-school-lesson-teaching-plan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=9-love-driven-ministry-sabbath-school-lesson-teaching-plan