EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
Paul provides good example
for conflict resolution
___
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:8,10-14
___By Mark Bumpus
___First Baptist Church, Mineral Wells
___"Striking an arc" in welding takes a steady hand. If the rod is held too far away, a spark never occurs. If held too close, it can get stuck.
___Balancing intimacy and distance is crucial to any proper relationship whether between pastor and congregation, parent and child, friend and friend or boss and secretary. There is a fine line between being too close and too aloof.
___Stephen Shoemaker writes, "Paul is close enough to be deeply hurt by the conflict (in the Corinthian church), yet he is distant enough to be free to confront the church. You can be so close you cannot confront; you can be so aloof that confrontation is easy, painless and frequent." Paul strikes the proper balance of "intimate distance" and gives a divine 
guide for church discipline.
___ For your best interest (2 Corinthians 1:23-24). Paul had written 1 Corinthians from Ephesus. He then made a quick, but painful, visit to Corinth, noted for its confrontation with a sinful church member. After leaving Corinth he wrote a "sorrowful" letter of rebuke (2 Corinthians 2:4) addressing the church's reticence to discipline this member. He delayed plans for a return visit to "spare" them (v.23) his righteous indignation (1 Corinthians 4:21) and to give them time to take proper action.
___ Painful confrontation (2 Corinthians 2:1-4). Confrontation is painful, but sometimes necessary. Paul wrote with "much affliction and anguish of heart" and "with many tears" (v.4). It grieved Paul to confront--he took no delight in it--but avoidance would exacerbate the problem. Paul took a step of courage to confront.
___ Purpose of discipline (2 Corinthians 2:5-7). Paul's letter of rebuke stimulated the church to care enough to confront the erring member. He suffered church discipline, probably expulsion. The intended result was provoked: genuine repentance in the man.
___Some wanted to "make him pay." Though the man had personally insulted Paul and injured the church (v.5), Paul shows great grace and pleads for his pardon (v.6). Paul understood that the goal of discipline is not vengeance but correction, restoration and renewed fellowship. It is to be remedial, not retributive.
___ Practicing forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:8,10-11). Reaffirmation of the man is encouraged (v.8) lest he "be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow"--despair or a crushed spirit (v.7). It would be restorative for the man. It would prevent the church from being trapped in an attitude of unforgiveness--a scheme of Satan (v.11). Energy wasted in conflict could now be invested in evangelism and missions (v.11). Is there a message here for Baptists?
___ Despair turned into joy (2 Corinthians 2:12-14). Paul had felt despair over the Corinthian situation (v.13) and had missed an evangelistic opportunity in Troas (v.12) due to his troubled spirit. Conflict discourages and provokes missed opportunities. But Paul received good news from Titus that the church had put the matter to rest. He broke forth with thanksgiving to God (v.14)! When repentance, reconciliation and restoration occur, it is time to rejoice!
___There are two great temptations regarding church discipline: (1) being too harsh--exacting justice which lacks compassion due to emotional aloofness; (2) being too lenient--granting blanket forgiveness prior to genuine repentance by being too intimately involved. Paul was neither.
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