Why He Wrote

  Paul wrote some very critical and corrective instructions to the Corinthians. Some today would think Paul was being too harsh and lacking in love to say such things regarding the wickedness of these people. But Paul knew continuation in the paths of sin would cause their damnation and he loved them enough to inform them of a better way and how wrong they were behaving. He did not write simply to shame them, (although they ought to have been ashamed of their conduct), but because he wanted them to repent and do differently so they could be faithful to the Lord.

  "I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you," (1 Cor. 4: 14). Genuine love will not allow those in sin to continue their journey to hell without making some effort to turn them to the Lord's way. Being fearful of offending and doing nothing is not love but neglect of duty and cowardice. Sometimes the most loving thing a person can do toward another is to correct them and help them do better.