“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 5:14-15
One of my responsibilities here at Bethel is to organize our WaterLife guests who share how God is working through them with us during worship. This has been a joy for me as I get to hear the long version of their testimony before the congregation hears just a snippet of it. I can see God at work in the disciples that God has called to worship at Bethel.
Can you remember that Sunday about six months ago when pastor raised his hand and commissioned us as WaterLife disciples during worship? You see, we are called to live out of faith in front of others because we are called into faith by our baptism. This isn’t something that is optional.
Read that verse up above one more time. Compelled by God’s love and being convinced of Christ’s sacrificial atonement, we no longer live for ourselves but for Him who died and rose again. Paul goes on to say that since we know these truths, we try to persuade people of them. When was the last time your faith compelled you to persuade someone that Jesus is God? Yet, that is part of our calling. We implore and beg others to be reconciled to God. Not just with our words (although this is impossible without them) but with our life.
Dear Lord, show us the way to live as witnesses to others. Help us to know how to love our neighbors in the ways that you’ve loved us, Amen.