Compelled by Christ's Love

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 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.
2 Co 5:11–15
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Compelled by Christ's Love
Knowing Christ means knowing the depth of His love, a love that urges us to live not for ourselves but for Him. This love changes everything. Paul writes that Christ’s love “controls us,” guiding our words and actions so that we might be Christ’s witnesses to others. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we no longer see others through the world’s lens but through His. He died and rose for all, breaking the chains of sin and death. This compels us to live as those who have died and risen in Christ, marked by His cross. Our old self, with its selfish desires, has died with Him. In our new life, we’re driven by gratitude and a desire to make Him known. As we serve others, may we remember that it’s Christ’s love within us that brings hope and light to a world still desperate for the cross.