1 Corinthians 4:14-21 KJV
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Paul writes to church in Corinthians because he was one of the founding father's of that church. He consider Corithian begotten by faith children of faith he was to guide and instruct in the ways of faith. He come with a rod of instruction or he could come in love.

There was a time you knew you did something wrong because mom or dad had switch in hand. in business world there is no switch, but a conversation with a good tongue lashing if in error and a plead from a person not to be fired. And a boss tone that says do not do it again. Paul speaking as a parent to Corinthian church or how God talked in the Old Testament concerning disciplining his people. He not talking about caning or whipping someone, he talking to them coming with the correction of love.

If you correct with love you get alot further. Boss that are stern and also a teacher are often loved by all workers. Workers that take the instruction with love and try to do things the way their boss want often go alot futher. They often become managers or bosses themselves because they teach and lead others in the way their boss or company wants things done.

Why even talk about discipline with a rod. A horse, a lion or any wild animal or one acting wild and vicious must have a form of this hurts. I have cat that has a very hard nip. If I allowed a wild lion to nip, I would not have a hand. With whip I might back that wild lion off if he reveives the whip as correction. Israel went through the wilderness with both love and a rod of correction. Correction based on what was happening. What the law and common sense did not cover the rod of correction did with the wrath of God. Yet was God wrath to grievous? It was to teach the severity of sin and breaking the law of instruction. If God's correction their would of been compassion from the people and no compassion is shown after Gid's discipline. Correction at work sometimes come with being fired from a job.

The best love comes woth teaching and instruction, but as old saying goes we need to be taken to the woodshed sometimes to avoid more grievous mistakes.

Paul saying I can come with the sword of the Spirit or peace and the love of God to the church on Corinthians. He hoping his letter of instructions solves their problem and all he greet is with the sweetness of fellowship to the church.

Dear Heavenly Father may we greet our brothers and sisters with sweet fellowship. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Continual Scripture Study: Hebrews 4:11-16 KJV
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.