If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God.
And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. 2 Cor 5:13-15
Heavenly Father, what a magnificent and magnetic image—being controlled by Christ’s love. Not merely inspired or encouraged, but controlled by Jesus’ love. We can’t imagine a more-to-be-desired state of heart and quality of life.
Oh to be free from people’s opinions and cultural agendas; to be unfazed by the “what if’s” of life in an uncertain world—not preoccupied with stuff that “might” go wrong.
To sever the anchor to vain regrets that tie us down, and lingering shame that sabotages our joy. To be so liberated by the love of Jesus, people might think we’re a bit odd. That would be sweet, Father.
14 Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.
By your Holy Spirit, help us remember we’ve already been co-crucified with Christ and have been raised to newness of life in him (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:4-5). By the death of Jesus, we’ve been set free from the old way of life and have been placed into an entirely new realm and dominion—the New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 1:13). Make this gloriously real to us, Father.
15 He (Jesus) died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
Father, may the love of Christ be so compelling to us, we’ll gladly live and love to Jesus’ glory—in our relationships and vocation, in our sufferings and rejoicings, in our weaknesses and encouragements; in the face of known disappointments, and with an eye towards the Day of Jesus’ return. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ lovely and loving name.
