Daily Bible Plan - 2. Corinthians
- Lady Anita Antwi
- Sep 10
- 7 min read
10. September 2025
Devotion by Lady Anita Antwi
Theme: Set Apart – 2 Corinthians 2:1-17
Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-17
Introduction
2 Corinthians 2 shows us Apostle Paul’s heart as a spiritual father. He addresses discipline, forgiveness, relationships, and the calling of ministry. In this passage, Apostle Paul opens his heart to the church in Corinth. He teaches them about love, forgiveness, relationships, and ministry. As we go verse by verse, we see not just instructions for the early church, but also lessons for how we live as Christians today. How these lessons apply to our everyday lives.
Verses 1–2
“So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.”
2 Corinthians 2:1-2 NLT
Paul explains that he didn’t want to visit the church in sorrow but in joy. Paul is teaching the wisdom of timing in relationships. He didn’t avoid correction, but he waited until his presence could bring joy and encouragement, not heaviness. His love for the church made him careful about how and when he addressed issues.
➡ Application:
Sometimes, wisdom means waiting before speaking or acting. For example, as a pastor’s wife, there are times when people disappoint or even hurt you. Like Paul, you may want to address it right away. But sometimes waiting, praying first, and approaching with a spirit of gentleness prevents unnecessary pain.
• The goal is not just to be right, but to build the church family.
Or even as a Mother of 3
• With children, there are many moments of correction needed. If I react instantly in frustration, I may break their spirit instead of guiding them.
• Waiting until I am calm so that my words are firm but loving, helps my children receive correction in a way that builds them up.
• For example, if two kids are fighting, instead of shouting immediately, I can separate them, give space, and later talk calmly. This way, my presence heals instead of creating more tense moments .
Paul teaches us in 2 Corinthians 2:1–2 that timing and patience in confronting issues is an act of love. The Bible repeatedly confirms this: gentle answers, wise timing, slow speech, and grace-filled conversations build people up instead of tearing them down. Ecclesiastes 3:7, James 1:19–20, Galatians 6:1, Colossians 4:6
Verses 3–4
Paul is saying:
• “…my joy comes from your being joyful.” → His joy is tied to their spiritual well-being and unity.
• “…I wrote… in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears.” → His correction wasn’t cold or harsh. It was filled with emotion, love, and deep care.
• “…I didn’t want to grieve you, but… to let you know how much love I have for you.” → The purpose of his discipline wasn’t punishment but love.
In short: Paul corrected with love, not anger. His heart was to build them up, not to break them down.
As a Pastor’s Wife
• Church members should be a source of joy, but sometimes they cause pain. Like Paul, when correction is needed, it should flow from a heart of love, not frustration.
• The church must feel your love even when you address issues. Sometimes people see pastors’ wives as “strict” or “distant.” These verses remind us: correction should always be wrapped in compassion.
👩👧👦 As a Mother of 3 Little Children
• Discipline is part of motherhood. But the goal is not to grieve my children, rather to raise them in love.
• If they feel only fear or sorrow, they may miss the love behind correction. Like Paul, I want my children to know—even through tears—that discipline comes from deep love.
• Example: When a child misbehaves, instead of just punishing, I can sit with them afterwards and say, “I correct you because I love you and want you to grow.”
👩💼 As a Co-worker
• In the workplace, giving feedback or handling conflict can be hard. But if you approach your colleagues with genuine care, even tough words can be received well.
• Like Paul, if you correct with a troubled heart, not arrogance, people will sense you want the best for them.
To be set apart means living differently from the world.
• The world often corrects with anger, pride, or a desire to prove itself right.
• But as children of God, we correct with tears, humility, and love—just like Paul.
• Being set apart means that whether in ministry, at home, or at work, we don’t seek to tear down but to bring joy, restoration, and encouragement.
In other words: We are set apart when our love leads our actions—even in hard moments.
“I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.”
Verses 5-7
Paul is addressing a man in the Corinthian church who had caused serious problems (likely rebellion or immorality).
• “The man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me.”
➡ Sin and conflict don’t just affect one person—they wound the entire body of Christ.
• “Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough.”
➡ The church had taken disciplinary action against this man, and Paul says the correction was sufficient.
• “Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.”
➡ Discipline is not meant to destroy a person but to bring repentance and restoration.
Once someone repents, the church must forgive, embrace, and comfort them—otherwise they could be crushed under shame and hopelessness.
Reflection
1. Sin affects community, not just the individual.
• My choices impact not only me but my family, church, workplace, and friends.
• As a Christian, I must live responsibly, remembering that I am part of Christ’s body.
2. Discipline has a purpose.
• Sometimes I need correction from God, my pastor, or even friends. It may hurt, but it’s for my growth.
• I shouldn’t resist discipline but see it as God’s love shaping me (Hebrews 12:6).
3. Forgiveness restores.
• When someone repents, I shouldn’t keep reminding them of their failure.
• Forgiveness plus comfort is what heals and helps people move forward in Christ.
✨ Daily Life Application
• In church: If someone makes a mistake, it’s not the time to start gossip or keep them at a distance. Instead, forgive and encourage them, showing them Christ’s love.
• In friendships/work: When someone hurts me but apologizes, I should be quick to forgive and move forward, not keeping them in permanent “punishment mode.”
Key Lesson
Correction without forgiveness leads to discouragement. Forgiveness without correction leads to carelessness. But godly love balances both discipline when needed, and comfort when repentance comes.
Verse 8
He tells them to reaffirm their love.
➡ Application:
Forgiveness isn’t just words. Forgiveness is more than saying, “I forgive you.” It must be demonstrated through kindness, care, support and our actions must prove that love is real.
Verses 9–11
Paul warns that unforgiveness gives Satan an advantage.
➡ Application:
Bitterness is like leaving the door open for the enemy. In marriage, if I hold on to small frustrations, it creates division. But when I forgive quickly, peace returns, and the enemy has no room. Choosing to forgive protects our hearts and keeps peace in our homes, churches, and workplaces.
Verses 12–13
Paul had opportunities for ministry in Troas, but he was restless because Titus wasn’t there.
➡ Application:
This reminds us that relationships are more important than opportunities. Ministry is not just about tasks—it’s about people. God values relationships more than performance.
Verses 14–16
Paul says God always leads us in triumph in Christ and uses us to spread the fragrance of Christ everywhere. To some people, we are the aroma of life; to others, the smell of death.
➡ Application: Our lives are like perfume—we carry the fragrance of Jesus wherever we go. Some people will welcome it as life, others may reject it, but our calling is to represent Christ.
• Being set apart means living differently so that Christ’s presence is evident in us.
• Paul uses the image of fragrance: just like perfume, it cannot be hidden—it fills the room.
• As believers, our attitudes, choices, and love set us apart from the world. People should “smell” Christ in us, whether we speak or not.
• This is what holiness looks like: not just words, or even a garment but a lifestyle that radiates Christ’s presence.
“You may be the only Bible someone may ever read.”
• Some people may never open the Scriptures, but they will read our lives.
• Our words, patience, forgiveness, and love become living letters of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 3:2–3).
• When you are set apart, your life is a testimony:
• In your home → your children or your unbelieving parents are learning what Christ looks like through you.
• In church → people see Christ in the way you serve and forgive.
• At work → your integrity and kindness speak louder than sermons.
Verse 17
Paul stresses sincerity in ministry.
➡ Application: Ministry is not for gain or appearance. As a pastor’s wife, people watch my family closely. Integrity means being the same at home with my children as I am in church with the congregation—living authentically before God and people.
❓ Reflection Questions
1. Am I patient enough to wait for the right time before correcting or speaking?
2. When I discipline or advise others, do they feel my love, or only my frustration?
3. Is there someone I need to forgive and reaffirm my love to?
4. Do I sometimes value tasks and programs more than people and relationships?
5. What kind of “fragrance” do I give off at home, in church, or at work? Is it the fragrance of Christ?
6. Am I living with sincerity and integrity, the same in private as I am in public?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help me to walk in love, to forgive quickly, to value people over performance, and to live with sincerity and integrity. May my life carry the fragrance of Christ as a servant in Your house. In Jesus’ name, Amen
In Love,
Lady Anita Antwi
Fortified City Church | Basel City Church
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