“If it seems like we are crazy, it’s to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love compels and controls us.” 2Cor.5:13-14
Lord Jesus, first of all, thank you for a new day—a day you have made, over which you’ll totally rule, in which you’ll be working for our good, for which we give you many thanks.
Meditating and praying my way through this brief passage from Paul fuels my craving to know you and your love more fully. “Christ’s love controls us”—Paul wasn’t merely warmed, inspired, encouraged, and grateful for your love. He was overtaken, taken in, and taken to a way of life we crave. You answered Paul’s prayer to know the width, length, height, and depth of your love (Eph.3:18-19). Please do the same for us—even to a fresh and liberating degree in the summer of 2025.
What will that look like, Jesus? We’ll more readily affirm with Paul—“For me, life is Christ and death is gain” (Phil.1:21) “Everything is a wash, waste, and worthless compared to the excellency of knowing Jesus” (Phil.3:8). We’ll love quicker than we resent, repent quicker than we judge, and laugh louder than we sigh.
Your truth will define us more than people’s approval, the devil’s lies, and our self-narration. Your goodness will be our feast and freedom—the most satisfying reality in our lives. Your beauty will take our breath away, then give it back to us. It’ll capture our gaze, transform our lives, and compel us to live for your glory (Ps.27:4, Isa.33:17, 2Cor. 3:18). Jesus, all of this looks inviting—and a bit overwhelming. But bring it on, loving, liberating Lord. Free us from our small heartedness. So Very Amen.