4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:4

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

(Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-4)

The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; and he had written in confidence of their doing what was to their benefit and his comfort; and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of disquiet from him. We should always give pain unwillingly, even when duty requires that it must be given.