Compelling Love

If we are out of our mind, as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 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.

2 Corinthians 5:13-15

Paul's behavior as a Christian was a source of bafflement to many at the church in Corinth. They could not understand his approach and his motives were forever being questioned. His actions seemed strange to them because they didn't understand the new covenant. They expected him to act and react to situations just as they did, and they were confused when he did not conform. They expected him to boast of his exploits on behalf of Christ and to find subtle ways to commend himself before them, for this is what they did. But now he insists he is not doing this, though it might at first appear to be the case.

Rather, he explains that the force which prompts him to act contrary to the usual ways of the world is not arising from a secret ambition for position. It originates from Christ within: For Christ's love compels us. A death and a resurrection have occurred, he argues. We are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. When Christ became what we are, he died, and we who are in Christ have died with him. The natural life has been shown to be worthless.

But there is more. If we died with him, we also rose with him, and the risen life we now live is different from the old life. It is no longer self-centered, it is outward-directed. It reaches out to others. It is not a put-on but real. Whenever we yield to the love of Christ, that is the way we act, and His love is the reason we act that way. Once we have yielded to that love we cannot help being self-giving, for that is the way His love is. The love of Christ controls us.

What does Paul mean when he says, The love of Christ controls us? Is it Christ's love for Paul, Paul's love for Christ, or Christ's love flowing out of Paul to others? A verse in John's letter serves as a guide to interpreting Paul's meaning. It suggests where love begins. This is love, says 1 John 4:10, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Love begins with God. Love makes obedience easy; it is the delight of love to do what the loved one desires. Therefore, when the heart grows dull and obedience is difficult, the proper response of the Christian is not to grit his teeth and decide to tough it out but to remember who it is that asks this of him. Everyone is seen to be of infinite worth because he is made in the image of God and can be redeemed through Christ.

Thank you for your great love, Father. Open my heart that I might understand the breadth and depth of your love.