“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again…All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. …We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14,15,18 & 20 (NIV)
Often, we take the gifts that God has given to us for granted. Sometimes we don’t recognize privileges as gifts either.
For example, God gave us the gift of forgiveness and the gift of a new purpose beyond living for ourselves. He gave us the gift of a relationship with Jesus. He also gifted us with the unique privilege of a ministry of reconciling others to Himself.
His Spirit dwelling within us is calling others to follow Him and receive these same gifts. Christ’s love in us compels us to offer ourselves to the ministry of reconciling others. As His ambassadors, it is our privilege to extend His invitation for others to live an abundant life.
In the first four chapters of 2 Corinthians, many encouragements precede the above verses: comfort others as you have been comforted; God makes us stand firm in Christ; He always leads us forward and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him; our competence comes from God; we are being transformed by the Spirit; we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. It’s wonderful to read and reflect on the whole book or 2 Corinthians.
God makes His appeal through us. He is in us and with us. He loves everyone, without exception. He knows everyone’s heart and intent. He knows how to draw others to Himself – we are proof of that. His power works within us and through us!
He is the potter – we are His jars of clay.
Lord, fill us with Your power and love. Please speak, love, encourage, and share the truth of who You are through us. May Your love compel us. Make Your appeal to others through us. In Jesus’ name and for His sake! Amen.
Take Action
Consider doing the series—Treasure: Jesus is Worth Everything—to learn how to have the Lord make His appeal to others through you.