The Love of Christ
“For the love of Christ controls us…” 2 Corinthians 5:14
What controls you? What drives you to do the things you do?
Money? Lust (wanting it now, whatever “it” is)? The need to be in control whether it be of people, places, or the circumstances at hand? The need to be recognized? The need to be accepted? The need to be loved?
Paul said the driving force in His life was the love of Jesus Christ! And the effect Jesus’ love had on Paul? The original word Paul uses translated controls (compels; constraineth) means to hold together; to secure. Paul says the reason he lived the way he lived since personally encountering the crucified and risen Jesus, was the love of Jesus! The same sacrificial love that sent Jesus to the cross was the same powerful love from the heart of God with which He raised His Son from the dead, now resided in Paul and ruled his life as it is meant to do for any Christian believer. A deep-rooted love knowing no boundaries Paul desired every Christian to know! (See Ephesians 3:14-21).
During this season of Lent, my prayer for you is that you will be captured by the love of Christ. A love that forgives, encourages, discerns, restores, heals, and puts the other person first!
“We know love by this, that He (Christ) laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I John 3:16
In the love of Christ our Savior,
Pastor Louie