So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 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. 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

Recall in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he made a fairly heavy accusation against an incestuous adulterer (1 Corinthians 5:1). He cared about the brethren there too much not to let the sin go. I suspect the letter took quite a while to write since it was so forceful. So while he couldn’t be there in person, his letter had to suffice until he came there in person.

In essence, Paul was longing to be there in person but couldn’t. He missed them. That’s an emotion that is hard to describe though we’ve all experienced it.

You’re missing someone right now as you read this. Give that person a call. You’ll both be glad you did.