The best of leaders are those who can have the most awkward and difficult of conversations with courage and compassion. This paradoxical position is beautiful when it is witnessed. The ability to show strength within weakness and authority through serving is sometimes missing from churches and leaders. Let me use those four words again: awkward and difficult …. (We’ve all witnessed one of those conversations) …. with courage and compassion. That’s how to handle people.
“This will be my third visit to you. ‘Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: on my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:1-4
This is a final appeal to a divided church of which had welcomed or if not had certainly allowed infiltrators into their community who worked at rubbishing Paul’s authority and credibility. He plans to visit them again but he is concerned about that visit.
We have here some of the most beautiful words that Paul used. Christ was “crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power.” Similarly, Paul acknowledges his own weakness while affirming that God’s power will be evident in his dealings with the Corinthians.
This paradox lies at the heart of Christian leadership and discipleship. True spiritual authority doesn’t emerge from human strength, eloquence, or impressive credentials. Instead, it flows from a deep dependence on God’s power, often manifested through what the world perceives as weakness.
His reluctance to exercise disciplinary authority reflects the character of God himself. Church discipline, when properly administered, is always redemptive in purpose.
Paul’s approach in these verses offers several important principles for contemporary church leadership:
- Paul doesn’t ambush the Corinthians with sudden discipline. He has warned them repeatedly and is giving them one final opportunity to respond appropriately. Effective church discipline requires clear communication and fair process.
- Dependence on Divine Power: Paul’s confession of weakness coupled with confidence in God’s power reminds leaders that human wisdom and strength are insufficient for spiritual work.
- What makes this passage so powerful is the vulnerability Paul displays. He’s not a distant authority figure issuing threats; he’s a pastor whose heart has been broken by the spiritual condition of his spiritual children. His warning comes not from a desire to prove his authority but from a desperate hope that the Corinthians will respond before more drastic measures become necessary.
That’s how we should handle people whatever position of life we are in.
Missions Paul 