Leadership Qualities: Relationships Part 10
Tough and Tender-2 Corinthians 7:8-13
In his previous letter to the church, Paul played the role of the tough leader. He instigated conflict. In this letter, he speaks more from a personal viewpoint, more from his heart. He exudes tenderness.
In this passage, the apostle discusses how he caused the Corinthians sorrow, but distinguishes between good sorrow and bad sorrow. Every leader will find this distinction profitable to understand. Consider the differences:
| Bad Sorrow | Good Sorrow |
| 1. Pain goes on indefinitely | 1. Pain is temporary |
| 2. Example: Judas (Matt. 27:3-5) | 2. Example: Peter (Luke 22:54-62) |
| 3. Leads to regret and death | 3. Leads to repentance and life |
| 4. Suffering based on selfishness | 4. Suffering based on God’s will |
Leaders should never seek revenge or desire to hurt someone just to vindicate their action. The pain they bring should have the constructive purpose of repentance and recovery.
Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Relationships Part 11
