The Pain That Accompanies Love

Questions for Reflection

2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4

1. What behaviors does Paul imply he can boast in (vs. 12)? Whom do you know that also works in this way towards others?
2. What has God accomplished with and for us (vs. 20-22)? Try to describe the specific words Paul uses in every day terms.
3. Looking back on your life, when did you respond to the invitation to be with Jesus with a ‘Yes?’ Were you fickle, with both a ‘Yes,’ and a ‘No,’ at different times? Jesus’ response to being with you is always ‘Yes,’ but is there a time when in particular you felt that calling?
4. What does it mean to “lord it over” someone (vs. 24)? What are the dangers of authoritarian leadership? Conversely, what are the dangers of dismissive, disengaged leadership? How does Paul characterize his leadership, as oppose to “lord it over,” and what is its purpose (vs. 24)?
5. How has this conflict affected Paul (vs. 4)? Yet, what remained Paul’s goal in his communication with the Corinthians? When is a time you can recall someone treated another person like Paul did, even in the midst of pain?