“For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.” (1 Corinthians 16:7 ESV).
Although Paul’s letter to the Corinthians contains strong words of correction, his heart was not distant or cold. He longed for more than a quick stopover; he wanted meaningful time with them. His desire shows that his correction was motivated by love and relationship. Yet, even as he expressed his plans, Paul submitted them to the sovereign will of God, adding, “if the Lord permits. Paul’s longing for presence reflects the greater incarnational heart of Christ, who did not remain distant from our brokenness but drew near as “Immanuel, God with us.”
We often think of correction and love as opposites, but in Christ, they belong together. Jesus came near to us, not to condemn us, but to redeem us by entering our world. His incarnation is the ultimate expression of God’s desire to dwell with His people. Paul’s longing to visit the Corinthians reminds us of this truth. His correction flowed out of his love for them, not to separate from them, but to become even closer. In the same way, we are called to love others with an incarnational heart. Do we correct others from a safe distance, or are we willing to walk with them in patience and care? Do we make time to be truly present with people, as Christ has been present with us? And like Paul, do we hold our plans loosely, always submitting them to God’s sovereign will, knowing that it is His Spirit that makes us one.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You that You did not love us from a distance but sent Your Son to dwell among us as Immanuel. Forgive us when we try to correct others without care. Teach us to be like Paul, whose words were backed by a desire for real relationship. Help us to walk in the incarnational love of Christ, patiently giving our time and presence to others, while always submitting our plans to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, amen.