The Apostle's Tears

2 Corinthians 2:4 KJV

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

The Apostle's humanity is impressive and enlightening. Though he was confident in his ministry still his heart was broken for the kind of work that he had been forced to do. He did not take it lightly to write a letter of such rebuke.

I can see the Apostle as he labored over the letter.

• Were the words necessary?
• Would it be better to pass over the issue?
• Others were already offended in him, should he risk these too?

Still, the Spirit of God had led him. His ministry responsibility was first to God before it was to any of them.

• What relief
• What joy
• What rejoicing of the Spirit

it must have been when news returned of their positive reception of his letter.

And so it must be today. Would to God His people see the heart of the preacher who only wishes to minister to God as their minister. If only they would see his heart and pray for Him as he does for them. If only they would appreciate a pastor who puts God above them. Only then do they have a pastor who is truly capable of performing real ministry.

And would to God that the eyes of those ministers who have put people above the Lord be opened.