With that, let's get into the Word of God. 2 Corinthians chapter 2 today, we begin the chapter,

and our text will be verses 1 through 11. I'll ask you to stand once you find your way there,

and you can follow along as I read. The Apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is writing and says, so I made up my mind that I would

not make another painful visit to you, for if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad,

but you whom I have grieved. I wrote as I did verse 3 so that when I came I

would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in

all of you that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you, but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

If anyone, verse 5, has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved

all of you to some extent, not to put it too severely, the punishment inflicted on him

by the majority is sufficient.

Now instead, verse 7, you ought to forgive and comfort him so that he will not be overwhelmed

by excessive sorrow.

I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

Anyone you forgive verse 10, I also forgive.

And what I have forgiven, if there was anything to forgive, I have forgiven in the

sight of Christ for your sake in order that Satan might not outwit us, for we are not unaware of his schemes.

Let's pray if you would join with me. We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding. Loving Heavenly Father, we desire for you at this time to settle us and enable us to give you our undivided attention and focus.

Lord, we need for you to keep away any distraction or anxiety or thoughts or care or concern or anything that would keep us from that which you have for us in your word today.

So Lord, will you speak into our lives clearly as you're always so faithful to as we commit

our time to you in Jesus' name. amen. You can be seated. Thank you.

The title that I chose for today's teaching is the dangers of unresolved conflict.

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