2 Corinthians 5:11-15
"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 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" (vs 14,15).
This is the heart of Paul's message and life. He actually wouldn't call it 'his life!' In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me." This is one of my most precious verses, one which I pray periodically, that it would be the reality of life on earth for me!
The love of Christ compels Paul. Christ's love, His dying on the cross for Paul - and all - is the reason Paul endured the trial, struggles, and persecutions of (his) earthly life. Christ's Love is the reason Paul preached, taught, ministered, prayed, rebuked, exhorted, and encouraged the folks! Paul explains that others of his time did what he did, but they were false teachers. They were not motivated by Christ's love, but selfish gain. Their motivation was wrong. They were doing it for their own glory, gain, and status - material gain even. Paul warned the folks to watch out for them!
Let us heed Paul's warning. Let us follow his example! "Lord fill us so that it would be Your Love that Compels us to not live for ourselves, but for You! When our motivation or direction gets skewed - when we have thoughts of self first - convict us, help us to recognize the difference between putting You first and ourselves first. Thank You Lord that You are more than able to do this and keep us! Thank You that You are well aware of the challenges and temptations we face within and all around us as we walk in this world! Thank You for Your Grace and Mercy, Your love that is ever toward us. Bless You Lord! Thank You! Give us discernment Lord!"
"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 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" (vs 14,15).
This is the heart of Paul's message and life. He actually wouldn't call it 'his life!' In Galatians 2:20, Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me." This is one of my most precious verses, one which I pray periodically, that it would be the reality of life on earth for me!
The love of Christ compels Paul. Christ's love, His dying on the cross for Paul - and all - is the reason Paul endured the trial, struggles, and persecutions of (his) earthly life. Christ's Love is the reason Paul preached, taught, ministered, prayed, rebuked, exhorted, and encouraged the folks! Paul explains that others of his time did what he did, but they were false teachers. They were not motivated by Christ's love, but selfish gain. Their motivation was wrong. They were doing it for their own glory, gain, and status - material gain even. Paul warned the folks to watch out for them!
Let us heed Paul's warning. Let us follow his example! "Lord fill us so that it would be Your Love that Compels us to not live for ourselves, but for You! When our motivation or direction gets skewed - when we have thoughts of self first - convict us, help us to recognize the difference between putting You first and ourselves first. Thank You Lord that You are more than able to do this and keep us! Thank You that You are well aware of the challenges and temptations we face within and all around us as we walk in this world! Thank You for Your Grace and Mercy, Your love that is ever toward us. Bless You Lord! Thank You! Give us discernment Lord!"
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