Adding Wounds or Multiplying Kisses

When I read this chapter in 2 Corinthians, I instantly think of the scripture Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” From a worldly standpoint, the words “wounds” and “friends” would rarely be in the same sentence.  It is even acceptable to tell a little “white lie” to avoid hurting anyone’s feelings or causing any conflict.  Sometimes as a Christian, I can be more concerned about ruffling someone’s feathers that “multiplying kisses” seems like a better idea.  However, Paul showed his true love for the Corinthian church by not sparing the “wounds” that ultimately led to their repentance.  It is hard enough to confront an individual about his or her sin sometimes, imagine a whole church!

Whether it was the division caused by allegiances to different leaders, their questioning of his authority of apostleship, or idolatry, Paul did not hold back when exposing the blatant sins of this church.  He gave us an indication of how the congregation responded to his letter in verse 8 of 2 Corinthians 7.  He stated that his letter caused them sorrow.  However, Paul said that he did not regret sending it to them because their sorrow led to repentance.  Paul could have been more focused on how the members of the Corinthian church would respond to his correction.  Instead, he was more concerned about the spiritual well-being of his brothers and sisters.  He cared more about exposing their transgressions that pulled them further from God than whether they would get mad at him for speaking the truth in love.  Because of Paul’s concern for his spiritual family, the church was able to respond in a way that would save them.  In verses 10 and 11 in 2 Corinthians 7 we see that the Corinthian Christians had a godly sorrow about their sins.  Not only that, but we also get a glimpse of how they were able to arrive at the point of turning back to God (earnestness, eagerness to clear themselves, indignation, alarm, longing, concern, and readiness to see justice done).  

I can’t help but think of what would have happened if Paul multiplied kisses on the Corinthians instead of exposing their iniquities.  Because Paul had a heart of wanting them to come to their senses, the church was able to repent and thrive as a result.  Paul shows us that it is more beneficial to speak the godly truth out of genuine concern for others, than to shrink back and allow them to continue in their wrongdoing.