2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved?
2 For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained?
2 If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me?
2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?
2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:2
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:1-4
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-4)
The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; and he had written in confidence of their doing what was to their benefit and his comfort; and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of disquiet from him. We should always give pain unwillingly, even when duty requires that it must be given.