For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view…2 Corinthians 5:14; 16a
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25
We consider Paul the greatest evangelist ever. He was given the calling by the Lord to evangelize the Gentile world. He went to places where the gospel had never been preached, planted churches, with many signs and wonders following him. Something happened to Paul – mainly a dramatic, divine encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus that changed his life and perspective forever.
Love causes action
Paul endured hardships, beatings, persecution of all kinds in order to share the love of Jesus Christ to others. Paul lived out of the love of God. It was the love of Christ that compelled him to continue in his calling. God calls all of us to be His Ambassadors. Few of us have the depth of a call that Paul had on his life, but we are all to represent God to those that don’t know Him. We are all called to evangelize. Love causes action. I do many things for my wife because I love her and I want to see her happy! Our love for Christ should result in action on our part. Love should compel us!
John 12:25 tell us that if we love life we will lose it, but if we hate this life, we will keep it for eternal life. The word “love” in this scripture is from the Greek word “Phileo” which means to cherish. So this scripture tells us that if we cherish our life on earth more than Jesus, we will end up losing the life He has for us. But, if we cherish the Lord more, then we will find life.
Paul …was unable to look at anyone from a worldly point of view.
Paul, out of his relationship with Christ, was unable to look at anyone from a worldly point of view but rather, looked at others from a heavenly point of view. That point of view is God’s view – one of love, compassion and desire for relationship. This motivated Paul.
I want to challenge you this month. I ask that you take a look at your life and what your motivations are. Does the desire to represent Christ to others permeate you, or do you cover up your Christianity in order not to “offend” others?
Read the scriptures – Jesus and Paul offended many people! You cannot live by the love of God and not offend others! Do you love this life and love what this life can bring more than you love Christ? Be open and honest with yourself. If we truly love Christ more than this life, our actions, priorities will flow to sharing this love with others.
do you cover up your Christianity in order not to “offend”?