2 CORINTHIANS 5
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 Corinthians 5:11-15
2 CORINTHIANS 5 THE LOVE OF CHRIST CONTROLS US
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
If we truly believe in God, we’ll have the fear of the Lord
We’ll trust and obey Him and not follow this world
For it is the love of Christ that controls us
It makes us discern what is right from wrong
Since he died for us so we can be raised
Believing in him makes us receive his amazing grace.
Paul once again teaches the Corinthian believers what one is supposed to boast about. Unlike those who do not know Christ, their boasting should be different from unbelievers. Those who are not serving Christ are concerned with worldly things and their boasting is focused on what they see outwardly. The believer on the other hand should boast inwardly about spiritual things.
Paul alludes to the two kingdoms that are very different in their focus: the kingdom of God and the world system. Those who know and believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ do not focus on boasting about physical or material things. Instead, they only focus on depending on the greatest sacrifice done for them so they can be reconciled with God.
They give credit to the only one who can boast about the greatest gift and work of salvation that no human being can be able to surpass.
REFLECTION
· Share insights how the love of Christ must be the one controlling our lives.
