“For the love of Christ controls us...”  (2 Corinthians 5:14)

The Apostle Paul was accused by many of his contemporaries for being a mad man.  He was so driven to please Christ that he seemed abnormal to most.  His drive to win others to Christ made him appear reckless to many.  Some felt Paul needed to get control of himself.  And that was the whole issue.  Paul did not have control of himself.  He was controlled by “the love of Christ.”  This does not refer to Paul’s love for Christ, even though there is truth to that statement.  It actually refers to Christ’s love for Paul.  Paul remained overwhelmed by how much Christ loved him.  He was a man who was so depraved before Christ saved him.  His life was formally controlled by his own hatred for Christ and Christ loved him anyway!  Christ called him to the glorious relationship with Himself.  Paul’s wretched sin had been forgiven.  His empty soul had been filled.  He knew Jesus personally.  And it was all due to the love Christ had for him in spite of himself.  Simply put, Paul never got over being saved!  Do we understand the depth of the love of Christ?  Do we understand that there has never been, nor will there ever be anything we can do that will cause Christ to love us less?  Such love should control us.  Amazing love!

Today is January 13.  What controls you?

Blessings,

Jim