A life controlled by Christ’s love

READ: Isaiah 29,30; Psalms 77; 2 Corinthians 5

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5: 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.
15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

OBSERVATION: An ancient Tamil poet asks, “Can there be a latch to lock in and hide love?” We all would agree that love has no boundary. If a person expresses mad love for somebody, people would call him/her crazy. Paul’s enemies must have presented such an accusation against him. (v.13). Paul’s response shows that his actions were selfless. In verse 14, he says the reason for his selfless ministry is “Christ’s love.” Here, although the text may refer to both “our love for Christ” and “the love Christ has for us,” in light of the context, we can understand that it indicates the love of Christ. Paul mentions Christ’s love as the great act of love (see Jn. 3:16; 15:13). Apostle John writes, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 Jn.3:16, 4:10).

Paul says, “For Christ’s love compels us.” We may ask, would love ever compel anyone? Paul connects Christ’s love with the cross, in which he died for all. A realization of Jesus’ sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional love made Paul say this. Christ’s love gave a conviction to Paul, which compelled, guided him to do what is required of his ministry call. Paul is not saying about doing something motivated by emotions. Agape love refers to an act that a person does with his will. Paul urges every Christian who identifies them with Christ’s death and resurrection ought to live for Christ. Apostle John also echoes similar words that we must live like Christ (1 Jn.2:6; 3:16). “We love because he first loved us” (1 Jn.4:19). The love of Christ compels us to do what God expects from us. And we know that no one or nothing can separate us from this love (Rom.8:39).

APPLICATION: C.T. Studd once said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” When I see the cross and realize the price Christ paid for me, I understand God’s love revealed in Christ. Christ’s love never prompts me to do anything for selfish gains. Instead, it motivates me to do the work of God to help people to find the salvation of God. I will not restrain God’s love. I will live for Christ delightfully with love.

PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for your love that saved me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the Kingdom of your loving Son Jesus Christ. Jesus, fill my heart with the love of God and help me to share with all. May your love constrain me to live for God’s glory. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

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