2 Corinthians 7:8-9
For even if I made you sad by my letter, I do not regret having written it (even though I did regret it, for I see that my letter made you sad, though only for a short time). Now I rejoice, not because you were made sad, but because you were made sad to the point of repentance. For you were made sad as God intended, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.
Speaking the truth treads heavy upon a person’s heart. The truth invokes emotions because it is attempting to do the necessary work of changing someone’s mind and/or heart, and that is good! Love is the box that truth ought to be packaged in. Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” It takes courage to speak the truth in love, especially when you know your audience as Paul knew his audience in Corinth. God is able to work repentance in the hearts of people through sorrow, as well as other emotions. We must trust in the Lord as we speak and encourage others. As we speak, the Holy Spirit is able to – and often does – intercede to offer the truth exactly as needed. To Him be all the glory and honor and praise!