Why is it easier to write someone than to talk face to face when you have hard feelings?
Writing makes it easier to express hard feelings because it avoids the immediate pressure and potential harshness of a face-to-face confrontation. A letter allows careful thought and prevents one from becoming overly stern in person, as Paul felt he could accomplish more by writing than by meeting personally.
Les explains that Paul chose to write his second letter rather than confront the Corinthians in person because writing allowed him to communicate his thoughts without the risk of becoming overly stern. Many people can relate to having hard feelings with a family member and finding it easier to write than to approach them face to face. Paul felt he could do more by writing than by meeting them personally. Although he intended to visit Corinth and then Macedonia, he did not make it, and his detractors used that as an accusation. Les reminds us to put ourselves in Paul's shoes, as he was just as human as we are.