And now a personal but most urgent matter; I write in the gentle but firm spirit of Christ. I hear that I’m being painted as cringing and wishy-washy when I’m with you, but harsh and demanding when at a safe distance writing letters. Please don’t force me to take a hard line when I’m present with you. Don’t think that I’ll hesitate a single minute to stand up to those who say I’m an unprincipled opportunist. Then they’ll have to eat their words. The Message.

Paul’s ”meekness and gentleness” were not to be misunderstood. There were people who were saying, in effect, ‘Oh that Paul can sound tough in his letters, but when you’re face to face with him you find he’s a bit of a mouse.’ So Paul wanted to be understood. His gentleness did not mean he was unwilling to confront and discipline church members where necessary. Let no one doubt that he was ready to take any necessary action. The truth matters, and lies must not be permitted to prevail.

In verses 8-11 he goes on to say ” 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.

I’m not trying to frighten you by my letters.  For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!” 11 Those people should realize that our actions when we arrive in person will be as forceful as what we say in our letters from far away.” NLT

Gentleness is not incompatible with rebuke, as good parents certainly know.

” Love precedes discipline” – John Owen

”Discipline is difficult, painful, and often heartrending. It is not that we should not love the offenders, but that we should love Christ, His church, and His Word even more. Our love to the offenders is not to be sentimental tolerance but correcting love” – John MacArthur