2 Corinthians 7:8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
The letter in view was Paul's severe first letter, which confronted sinful conduct and evils among the Corinthians, made the believers sorrowful, and called them to repentance and to act against those disgracing the church. He sent it to deal with the evils before he himself visited, because a visit at that time could have brought a crisis requiring severe correction, whereas the letter could accomplish more and prepare them for a later visit in love and meekness. The sorrow the letter caused was real, yet it lasted only for a season, for a time.
Paul for a time regretted having written so firmly, feeling pain in giving pain, and at times wished he could recall his words. He feared he had wounded them too deeply and that his words and counsel would be rejected, and he anxiously waited to learn how they had received his message. He no longer regrets the letter, for he perceived and learned that its temporary sorrow had served a needed purpose by leading them to repentance.
Reproof of wrong is necessary even when it causes sorrow, but the one reproving must show he is a friend who feels pain in giving pain and acts from abundant love, not to grieve but to lead to repentance. That godly sorrow worked repentance, producing earnest care, clearing of self, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, avenging of wrong, and proof of purity in the matter. This fruit brings comfort and good courage concerning those who are struggling to overcome.