Highlighting – “namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (v.19)
Our citizenship is not on Earth, but in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), so while we live on Earth, we are to represent those things that are Godly and Heavenly– we are to emulate Jesus Christ. As Christians, we should be Christ-like in His Spirit of service to others. While He was still God, Jesus Christ humbled Himself to fulfill the will of His Father in order to save the lost and heal the sick – He came to serve (Philippians 2:5 – 11; Matt 20:28).
We see in the Word, Jesus’ life was one of service to all of mankind from the moment He began teaching all the way to His death on the cross. His ability to obey God was rooted in His unconditional love for us and humility, to save mankind who didn’t deserve it. We are to love despite hurt (unconditionally). In order to be able to love someone who isn’t deserving of your love, it requires humility. You no longer look at yourself as important, but rather, what would be beneficial to the other. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His love for us, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”. Christ, although perfect, became sin in order to make us righteous and reconcile us back to God. When describing love, consider a husband and wife – they love one another despite their faults. In this same way, Christ loves the church, even though we are imperfect beings.
We are here to fulfill God’s purpose for us, to do good works. Not any works, but that which God has ordained for us to do since before time to advance the Kingdom. As it says in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ. We were saved to serve Christ and build up the body of the Church, Ephesians 4:12. Even further, we are saved to go out and share this good news (the gospel) of reconciliation to God. Jesus came for the sick not for the righteous, you can read that in Matthew 9:9 – 12. In this same mindset, we are to show love to all in humble fashion, causing unbelievers to draw near to Christ.
Philippians 2:13, “it is God who works in us to fulfill His good purpose”. Then, when we allow the Spirit to work in us, we will have a church as Paul describes in Ephesians 4:11 – 16. May your light so shine before man that they see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. Let’s be true ambassadors for Christ everywhere we go!
Dear Father, thank You for Jesus Christ! Where would I be if it wasn’t for Your love? Please help me to love my brothers and sisters with all my heart. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may bear fruit as Christ did and lead others to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!
Recent Comments