2 Corinthians 2:1-8 ▼

1 But, so far as I am concerned, I have resolved not to have a painful visit the next time I come to see you.

2 For if I of all men give you pain, who then is there to gladden my heart, but the very persons to whom I give pain?

3 And I write this to you in order that when I come I may not receive pain from those who ought to give me joy, confident as I am as to all of you that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For with many tears I write to you, and in deep suffering and depression of spirit, not in order to grieve you, but in the hope of showing you how brimful my heart is with love for you.

5 Now if any one has caused sorrow, it has been caused not so much to me, as in some degree--for I have no wish to exaggerate--to all of you.

6 In the case of such a person the punishment which was inflicted by the majority of you is enough.

7 So that you may now take the opposite course, and forgive him rather and comfort him, for fear he should perhaps be driven to despair by his excess of grief.

8 I beg you therefore fully to reinstate him in your love.