Devotional:Controlled by Love: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died” (2 Cor. 5:14, NASB).

Christmas Day is fast approaching us. This year, 2020, will be quite different for many people as individuals. Travel and family gatherings will be altered for many people. Church programs for many will be cancelled or maybe the church will be blessed to do a virtual program. The COVID-19 pandemic which place people at an increase risk for sickness and death has a great influence on how people will celebrate this important holiday that is celebrated around the world. We can say that for many people the pandemic controls what people choose to do.

We must decide what and who will control our life. In 2 Corinthians Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ writes to the church at Corinth. The church is confronted by many issues and there are diverse groups of people seeking to exert their influence upon the church. Paul writes to defend his apostolic ministry. He reiterates the message that he preaches. He tells the reason that he opposes the teachings of the many false teachers and false prophets that invade the church. What motivates Paul to continue in his ministry? What is the power that drives him to work hard and suffer in these difficult times?

Paul writes that he is motivated by his love for the church (2:4). The afflictions that he endures do not cause him to love the church any less. Instead, suffering for the cause of Christ and the gospel brings him joy (2:3), something that makes the work easier for him.

Although there are many things that motivate Paul, he understands that it is the love of God that controls him. This means that Paul knows Jesus personally, and he loves God because God loved him first. He experiences God’s love for him by means of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that imparts God’s love for him causes him to love the people of God. He preaches reconciliation through Jesus Christ. His entire ministry is controlled by the love of God.

I know Jesus. I can choose to be controlled by God’s love for me. If I am controlled by God’s love for me, I will relate to others with the same love. God’s love controls me so that I do what the lord commands me to do for God, for others, and myself.

Prayer: Father, I want to be controlled by Your love. Amen.