Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 5. In this chapter we read about being ambassadors for Christ. “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:14-21 ESV This passage begins with “For the love of Christ controls us…”. When we think about what is controlling us it might be a stretch to say it is the love of Christ! Sometimes we are motivated by greed. Sometimes we are motivated by fear. Sometimes we are motivated by revenge. In this passage we see that it is only appropriate for God’s people to be controlled by Jesus’ love. How would you describe His love? Unconditional, sacrificial, steadfast—these are all words used to describe Jesus’ love. May God fill you with this controlling love today and every day! Pastor Tim
