Love God and Love People


11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13 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. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 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 5:11-15

Verses 14 and 15 contain the Gospel message and the Christian life. Believing and not living for yourselves is all we need to know about the Christian walk. Sure, there are details like loving people, forgiving, and encouraging but the foundation is “love God and love people.”

It’s not always as easy as it sounds, that is, loving people. Quite frankly, many people aren’t that lovable and don’t make it easy for those who try. But that’s the point, isn’t it? If John talked about loving the unlovely people. It’s easy to love people who will reciprocate.

God wants you to love someone who isn’t lovable. Right now you’re thinking of one or two you know who are like that. This week do what you can to reach out to them. Some things you do may look or sound silly, but if you’re attempting to love them, you’re being faithful to the Scripture.


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