Tough love

As we labor to help others follow Christ we must sometimes cause them pain. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was a blunt rebuke. Though it grieved him to hurt them, he rejoiced in the result. The pain produced godly sorrow leading to repentance and restoration (2Co 7:6-10). It was not just the sorrow of being caught and disciplined, but genuine remorse over acknowledged sin. The prudent application of pain brought about godly sorrow. It is a tool we are reluctant to use as parents and as disciple-makers. Nevertheless, it is sometimes necessary. We must not avoid using every tool at our disposal to bring people to Christ.