I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. 

But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority.

2 Corinthians 10:8 NLT

Corinthians is a letter, and when you read a letter you only read one side of the conversation, we only get to guess what's going on.

Seems that at least some people in the church in Corinth weren't happy with Paul and the way he was using his authority, his power. 

And he's defending himself here. 

Lesson#1 where we have power everyone isn't going to like it, see what you're doing, complain or oppose. 

Lesson#2 even our best efforts, where our heart is for good, that can be misunderstood.

Lesson#3 it's good to reflect on where we do have power (position, knowledge, social, physical, emotional, spiritual, language/words, financial, age, mana...) that we really do use it to build others up, not to tear down. 

Perhaps ask a question like this:

"How had the most vulnerable person here experienced me (my power, authority, words, actions etc)?"

Paul in this letter had done some reflection and reckoned he was all good. I'm not so confident (in me, not Paul!).

Lesson#4 even if we're wrestling with any of this, we remain Beloved. 

#Corinthians 

#Godsgym

#buildoneanotherup