Paul here addresses the issue of conscience, and maintaining a clear conscience. God calls us to follow him, to follow in the way he has called us to follow. Paul here addresses the issue of conscience and how it is impacted by the way we follow and obey God's word and his directions for our lives. 

Throughout 2 Corinthians Paul addresses the impact of suffering on ministry, life and the message; the complexity of human relationships at times - the suffering they can cause and the joy of being reconciled when we obey and follow the guidance of the Spirit in our lives.