Does the love of Christ control you?

Grace and peace to you, beloved of God,

"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV

Today we should ask ourselves does, "the love of Christ controls us?" Now I must confess that I had to hesitate with my response when I asked myself this question. I don't question whether His love is in me, rather, am I living in a way that gives evidence for that reality. If I'm not allowing the love of Christ to flow through me, to the world around me, then I'm not really letting it have any control over me. The purpose for which God raised us to new life in Christ was to display His greatness to the world. And that is done through us humbly living as the body of Christ and loving those around us just like He would. Brothers and sisters, as the body of Christ, His love should guide and direct all of our words and deeds toward others.

Christ has indeed died once for all and has purchased a people for His own. If we then belong to Him, should we not live like those who, "no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Living for Christ, means, that His love colors everything we see and do.
Living for Christ, means, loving as Christ.

For the Joy of Your Faith,
Teagan