Read: 2 Corinthians 5:10-21

The love of Christ compels
us. -2 Corinthians 5:14

Two men were being considered for the pastorate of a
certain church. Both preached on the subject of hell.
One preached in a cold and threatening way, the other in
a compassionate and caring way. The congregation
unanimously called the latter as their pastor. Their
reason was that the first man left the impression that
he didn’t mind if people went to hell, but the second
preached as one who was deeply grieved that anyone
should miss the love and forgiveness of God.

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul wrote about the judgment
seat of Christ. This sobering truth gave the apostle a
proper sense of urgency as he sought to “persuade men”
(v.11). Paul testified, however, that the compelling
force in his ministry of reconciliation was not judgment
but Christ’s love. In verse 20, his words pleading and
implore are words of intense longing and love.

Years ago, Andrew Bonar told Robert McCheyne that he
had just preached from Psalm 9:17, “The wicked shall be
turned into hell.” McCheyne asked, “Were you able to
preach it with tenderness?” The same could be asked of
us. How do you and I communicate the gospel of Christ
to nonbelievers? God longs to soften our hearts and
make us into instruments of reconciliation.
-Joanie E. Yoder

As You have loved me, let me love
Lost souls in darkness dwelling’
To draw the needy ones to You,
Lord, give a zeal compelling! -Bosch

WHEN WE KNOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST,
WE’LL HAVE A LOVE FOR THE LOST.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.