Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

"But I determined this for myself, that I would not come again to you with sorrow. For if I make you sorry, who then is he that maketh me glad but he that is made sorry by me? And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might know the love that I have more abundantly unto you." — 2 Corinthians 2:1-4 (ASV)

The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; he had written in confidence that they would do what was for their benefit and his comfort, and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of unease from him. We should always give pain unwillingly, even when duty requires that it be given.