2 Corinthians 2:1

Paul defends his decision not to visit Corinth, explaining that he postponed his coming out of love so as not to come "in heaviness," and that his role was to be a helper of their joy rather than a lord over their faith. The teaching applies this to Christian fellowship, urging believers to distinguish essential ("national border") doctrines from secondary ("state border") preferences and to pursue mutual edification, while showing that the goal of all church discipline is forgiveness and restoration.