What does 'fear of the Lord' mean? Social Gospel Worship and Learning Center; Minister Paul J. Bern

In today's lesson we will cover, as the title says, the second chapter of Second Corinthians in its entirety. Paul takes up where he left off at the end of chapter one, going on to describe what the Bible calls a “painful visit”. Although the meaning of this is not immediately clear, it will become more so as we examine Paul's frame of reference, beginning at chapter one, verses 23-24 where we left off last week.
Part One of This Week’s Bible Verses for Study and Memorization
“I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent - not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him.
“Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven - if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (story continues....)
Subscribe to my faith-based blog on Medium.com at Medium.com/@greatestservant62/subscribe ($5.00 monthly or $50.00 annually, that's 16 cents per day). Free version also available.
Donations on Pay Pal at [e-mail] or on Stripe.com (type ‘Social Gospel Worship and Learning Center’) into 'search' at top of screen).
Mail donations to: Progressive Christian Ministries, 879 Rock St NW, Suite 104, Atlanta Ga, 30314 Many thanks to all who can give!

[@John-y7b2c]

Thank you.