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THE GROUNDS OF A MINISTER’S REGARD FOR HIS PEOPLE
THERE is in every man a quick sensibility with respect to any thing that may affect his character: even a slight insinuation, that seems to convey reproof, is keenly felt. On this account we ought to be extremely cautious, not only when criminating others, but even when vindicating ourselves; because a necessary self-vindication may easily be construed as an oblique censure upon others. We cannot but admire the delicacy of the Apostle’s mind, when asserting the integrity of his conduct towards the Church at Corinth. There were some in that place who had traduced his character: for the sake of others therefore it was necessary that he should declare his innocence with respect to the things that were laid to his charge. But fearing that, in doing this, he might appear to cast a reflection indiscriminately on the whole body, he adds, with exquisite tenderness and affection, that, so far from intending to condemn them all, he was willing, if his other duties would admit of it, to live and die among them.
In order to promote in all this amiable disposition, we shall consider,
I. The grounds of the Apostle’s love—
St. Paul felt a love towards the whole human race: but he was filled with a peculiar affection towards the Corinthians on account of,
1. Their relation to God—
[The Apostle had reason to believe that the Corinthians, notwithstanding some great evils which obtained among them [Note: 1Co_1:11; 1Co_3:1-4; 1Co_5:1-2; 1Co_6:5-8; 1Co_8:9-12; 1Co_11:18-22; 1Co_14:26.], were truly converted to God; and that the greater part of them were very eminent Christians [Note: 1Co_1:5-7 and 2Co_8:7.].
This was a just ground for loving them. Indeed, if he had not been penetrated with an unfeigned regard for them, he would have had no evidence of his own love to God: for “he who loveth him that begat, must love those who are begotten of him [Note: 1Jn_5:1.].”]
2. Their relation to himself—
[Having been, in God’s hand, the instrument of their conversion, he stood related to them as their spiritual father [Note: 1Co_4:15 and 2Co_12:14. with Act_18:1-18.]. Now, as a peculiar affection subsists between those who bear this relation according to the flesh, so it is reasonable that there should be a mutual regard between those also who are thus united in the bonds of the Spirit. Doubtless the Apostle did not confine his regards to these [Note: Col_2:1.]: but, having “travailed in birth with them,” he felt all the anxieties and affections of a parent towards them.]
The fervour of his love will appear from,
II. The way in which he manifested it—
We may notice in the context,
1. His affectionate remembrance of them—
[He boasted of them wherever he went: he held them up as peculiarly worthy of imitation [Note: 2Co_7:14 and 2Co_8:24; 2Co_9:1-2.]: and so great was the satisfaction which he felt in hearing of their welfare, that it far over-balanced all the sufferings he endured. What clearer proof could he give of his affection for them?]
2. His faithful admonitions—
[Though he loved them, he was not blind to their faults. When he saw them deviating from the path of duty, he performed the office of a monitor and guide. He changed his voice towards them, as he saw occasion: sometimes he spake with the authority of an Apostle [Note: 1Co_4:18-19.], and sometimes with the tenderness of a friend or parent [Note: 2Co_2:1-5 and 1Co_4:14.]. This was an eminent proof of his love, because it shewed that his concern for their souls swallowed up every other consideration [Note: Lev_19:17. with ver. 12.].]
3. His devotion to their service—
[He regarded not wealth, or ease, or honour; but would have been contented “to live and die with them” who had but ill requited all his past kindness: yea, he declared, that “he would most gladly spend and be spent for them, though the more abundantly he loved them, the less he were loved [Note: 2Co_12:15.].” Nothing short of laying down our life for any person could testify more love than this.]
Application—
1. Let us improve our intercourse with each other in life—
[It is the happiness of a minister and his people to have frequent and familiar intercourse with each other. We have through the mercy of our God enjoyed it; but alas! how little have we improved it! Let us look unto our God for his blessing upon us in future [Note: 2Co_6:11-13.]: for without that “neither Paul can plant, nor Apollos water, to any good purpose [Note: 1Co_3:5-7.].”]
2. Let us prepare for our separation in death—
[As “the priests under the law could not continue by reason of death,” so neither can we under the Gospel. We must go to give an account of our stewardship; and you to answer for the advantages you have enjoyed. Let us be looking forward to that solemn meeting which we shall have at the bar of judgment. Let us implore help from God, that we may discharge our duties towards each other aright; and meet again, not as witnesses against each other, but as fellow-heirs of his glory. And the Lord grant that we may then be your joy, and that you may be “our joy and crown of rejoicing” to all eternity [Note: 1Th_2:19-20 and 2Co_1:14.]!]