13 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.
Heavenly Father, Paul’s words convict and allure me. What a magnificent image and possibility—being controlled by Christ’s love; not merely inspired or encouraged, but controlled by Jesus’ love for us. I cannot imagine a more-to-be-desired way of doing life.
It’d mean I’d be freer from people’s opinions, personal vendettas, and cultural agendas. I’d be more intrigued than irritated with people, quicker to repent and forgive, than judge and nurse grudges. My thoughts, words, and choices would be shaped more by your grace than by my selfishness. I’d be more generous, and less suspicious, more faith-full and less fear-full.
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 me remember, and rely on the good news, that I’ve already been co-crucified with Christ and have been raised to newness of life in him (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:4-5). Through Jesus, I’ve been set free from the old way of life and have been placed into an entirely new dominion—the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 1:13). Make this palpable and liberating today, Father.
15 He 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.
May the love of Jesus be so compelling to me, I’ll gladly live for him… in my relationships and vocation, in my sufferings and my rejoicings, in my weaknesses and encouragements, in the face of known disappointments and with an eye toward an unknown future. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and bounteous name.