LOVE OF CHRIST URGES US ON
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
(Second draft)
“For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised.”
As Christians, we are called to live a life that is centered around the love of Christ. This love is an active force that motivates and guides us in all aspects of our lives.
The passage starts by stating that the love of Christ urges us on. This word “urges” carries a sense of urgency and intensity. It is not a gentle nudge, but a strong and compelling force that drives us forward. The sense of urgency and intensity is not a mild push, but a powerful and persuasive drive that propels us ahead. This love is not passive, but rather proactive and deliberate. It motivates us to take action, to step out of our comfort zones and strive for a life that aligns with God's will. In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, we are reminded of this love and its powerful impact on our lives.
Have you ever felt an urge to do something out of your normal routine? Or perhaps to say something or go somewhere?
I can think of several times that I've followed those promptings and several times I haven't. Here is one where I hesitated before following that urge.
I was driving one day when I saw a man in a powered wheelchair stuck on a crumpled curb. There was no ramp down one side and up the other. I immediately felt the need to help. Unfortunately there were cars behind me and no way for them to pass on the curving street. I decided to go around the block and come back on the street which he was attempting to cross. I did that. However when I was back at the intersection another car had stopped in the street blocking traffic and was attempting to help. The man in the car behind the road blocking car got out of his car and came to help also. Both of these men were younger and more able to lift that man and his chair over the curbs than I was. Making this event possibly even more memorable is that between the three men there were three races. I had been urgent to stop but didn't immediately. When I arrived back I wasn't needed. Evidently others had felt that same urging to assist. I've always regretted that I hadn't just stopped on that first impulse as these other men had. I think I missed the chance to be a blessing and possibly the chance to receive a blessing because I delayed the urge to help.
CHRIST DIED
The love of Christ is not just for a select few, but for all. The verse states that “one has died for all”. This speaks of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. God’s love for us is a love that knows no boundaries or limits.
ALL HAVE DIED
The verse then goes on to say that “therefore all have died”. This may seem like a strange statement at first glance, but it is a reminder that through Christ’s death, we have also died to our old selves. Our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ and we are now made new in Him as Galatians 2:19b-21 states, “For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ, 20 and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This death allows us to be free from the bondage of sin and live a life that is pleasing to God.
GODCENTRIC
Why did Christ die for us? The verse continues by saying “so that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for the one who for their sake died and was raised”. Jesus’ death was not in vain. It was an act of selfless love that was done for our sake. And in response to this love, we are called to live a life that is no longer centered around ourselves, but for God.
LIFE OF SERVICE
Living for God means putting Him first in everything we do. It means surrendering our desires and ambitions to His will. It means living a life of obedience and serving others with love, just as Christ did for us. This may not always be easy, but the love of Christ urges us on and gives us the strength and motivation to keep going.
POINT OF VIEW CHANGE
When we truly understand the magnitude of God’s love for us, it changes everything. It changes how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are no longer just living for ourselves, but for the one who died for us. Our purpose and identity are now rooted in Christ and His love for us.
REBORN TO SHARE
This love also has a powerful impact on our relationships with others. When we are motivated by the love of Christ, we see others through His eyes – as beloved creations of God who also need to experience His love and grace. It compels us to reach out and share the good news of Jesus with those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs.
REFLECTING JESUS
Furthermore, the love of Christ also guides us in how we treat others. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” Our love for others is a reflection of our love for Christ. It is a witness to the world that we are followers of Jesus. When we live in this way, our actions speak louder than words and draw others closer to God.
IN A RELATIONSHIP
So how do we practically live out this love of Christ in our daily lives? Firstly, we must constantly remind ourselves of God’s love for us by meditating on His Word. The more we understand His love for us, the more we will be motivated to live for Him. We can also seek to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him through prayer and fellowship with other believers.
DELIBERATELY CHRISTLIKE
Secondly, we must be intentional in our actions and attitudes towards others. This means showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it may be difficult. We can also look for opportunities to serve and bless others, just as Christ did for us.
LIVE TO LOVE
To recap, the limitless love of Christ should be the driving force in our lives. It urges us on to live a life that is pleasing to God and to love others as He loves us. It is a love that knows no boundaries and has the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. May we always be reminded of this love and allow it to guide us in all that we do.
Having been loved, love!
Having been forgiven, forgive.