Text: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV
In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul calls the believers – calls us – new creations. If we are in Christ, we are new, he says. We are renewed. We are redeemed, we are reconciled to God.
Christ takes our sin and we are given His righteousness in return. We are given the ultimate fresh start.
If this gospel of Christ is true, if we really have been washed clean and given new life, how can we dare keep it to ourselves?
“Regard no one according to the flesh,” Paul says in verse 16. You, me, the person you pass on the street — we are all so much more than that. We are made in the image of the divine, created for the enjoyment and glory of the Father. CS Lewis writes in his beloved essay “The Weight of Glory”: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Our love for one another must be “a real and costly love,” Lewis says, for all day, every day, we are helping each other to our eternal destination.
Has there ever been a more important message than this gospel of reconciliation? The gospel of Jesus Christ reconciles souls to God. It reconciles brothers and sisters, relationships and races, and one day it will reconcile the nations. It is as practical as our daily bread and as poetic as the lion resting with the lamb. It is our eternal hope and our everyday mercy. And it is our message to carry.
You are an ambassador of the Lord today. Right now, just as you are. If you are in Christ, you are a new creature. He says so.
The grace you have is enough to share with your family.
The forgiveness you’ve been given is enough to offer to your friends.
The new life within you is not meant to change only you but the very world around you.
God, give us the courage and compassion to let it. Amen.
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43 thoughts on "ambassadors of reconciliation"
This really spoke to me. As I'm building my faith and trying to be a better Christian, it makes me feel at peace to know that verse 19 exists. "That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." I love this, because too often I feel guilty for sinning. It's so comforting to be reminded of reconciliation.
“There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” We're all a new creation.
Today's message was important for me to hear. Although my faith is strong, I have up until this point been very private with it. I prayed to God not too long ago to help me share my faith openly with others… Then He brought me here to you all. I have spent a lot of time here recently. Starting slowly to share my faith with others. God is great, I shouldn't keep that to myself. :o)
I love it – the gospel of reconciliation. Is there anything desired more greatly than reconciliation! A life about relationships – relationship with God, relationship with others. Christ's love compels us to accept that gift of reconciliation in relationship with Him and relationship with others. What a gift the Holy Spirit is – I don't have to reconcile with those who have hurt me or the way I've hurt myself in the past by my own strength, praise be to the gift of the Spirit. Praise him.
In my version, vs 16 says "regard no one from a human point of view," so I didn't really catch the full idea at first, but then I read the above paragraph that starts with "regard no one according to the flesh" (I had to read through it 3 times) and I began to understand what the Lord was trying to say to me.
Regard no one from a human point of view – look at them as God does, as many people have expressed above – offer grace, forgiveness, and change to everyone around us, just as Christ, through the Father, has offered the same to us.
Regard no one according to the flesh – not only must I look at people through Christ as a filter. I must actually take my flesh out of the picture. I've been talking with a friend all afternoon about what it means to be different – to be set apart. It means that we are literally not the same as the rest of the world. I have a neighbor with whom I've been aching to share the gospel, but I've been afraid to because I was nervous that it would make our neighbor relationship awkward – that he might not respond well, or might feel that I was trying to offend him. But the fact is, his eternal destination to which I'm helping him is so so so so much more important than whether or not he responds well to what I have to say.
I think 2 Corinthians 5:15 is perfect to think of everyday!
“and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
It’s simple. Live for Christ, not ourselves.
Just before Paul calls us, he calls us new creations. So many times I hear people say, "it's just not me, I can't just share the gospel." I've never thought of this before but if our old nature was timid and fearful about sharing who we are then as new creations, part of our new nature is that we are in fact charged with the ministry of reconciliation. It's not simply for the outspoken extrovert. It is for every single one of us that calls ourselves sons and daughters of God. So then I'm asking myself how am I living as a bridge between God and man? What in my life points to the ministry of reconciliation. Am I compelling anyone to look to Jesus through either my words or the fruit of my life? As an ambassador of God's kingdom and I representing the Father well? This has been so good for me to think on and I'm going to explore this more. Sure, maybe in the past it was difficult to communicate the things that we cared deeply for but as new creations, old things truly are passed away and BEHOLD all things are NEW. My prayer is that I would never disqualify myself from sharing and showing the way to Jesus.
This morning as I read, I was gently convicted. I have two dear friends who I have been praying would know Christ for YEARS. I have invited them to Church/events and had scores of spiritual conversations with them. They know they can talk to me about spiritual things and I won't judge them or jump down their throats. But, I don't think I have been bold enough. Jim Elliot once said, "Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me.”
I am an ambassador for Christ. And I cannot force my dear friends to make a decision (indeed, that's a very un-Christlike thing to do!), but I can be more pronounced and persistent in my sharing of the Good News!
Just before Paul calls us, he calls us new creations. So many times I hear people say, "it's just not me, I can't just share the gospel." I've never thought of this before but if our old nature was timid and fearful about sharing who we are then as new creations, part of our new nature is that we are in fact charged with the ministry of reconciliation. It's not simply for the outspoken extrovert. It is for every single one of us that calls ourselves sons and daughters of God. So then I'm asking myself how am I living as a bridge between God and man? What in my life points to the ministry of reconciliation. Am I compelling anyone to look to Jesus through either my words or the fruit of my life? As an ambassador of God's kingdom and I representing the Father well? This has been so good for me to think on and I'm going to explore this more. Sure, maybe in the past it was difficult to communicate the things that we cared deeply for but as new creations, old things truly are passed away and BEHOLD all things are NEW. My prayer is that I would never disqualify myself from sharing and showing the way to Jesus.
God make us creative in the ways that we communicate and express you. Give us unique opportunities for our unique personalities and unique family members and unique co-workers. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in all your perfection though we are no where near perfect. Thank you for trusting us with your treasure, the story of redemption that centers around your perfect and precious son and your great love. Make us bold, make us fierce and preserve us as we learn to love you and the world around us more and more. Thank you for giving us your name for the invitation to co-labor with you. We love you Jesus.
Kyla, I couldn't agree more; to truly realize that ALL people have an eternal destination, it really resonates with me that we must help them towards heaven and not towards hell. Will my lack of boldness to speak the truth of the gospel, my unwillingness to forgive, my weakness in pleasing others, my momentary lack of integrity in classes help or hinder these people in their walk with Christ (especially if it hasn't even started yet)? It puts all my actions into a whole new light: I am to show people who Christ is and how life-giving walking with Him truly is. Father, help me to extend love, compassion, forgiveness, and gentleness in a Godly way towards everyone I meet. More than this, help me to speak the truth of your word boldly and loudly wherever it is completely needed, and crush my want to please others in doing so. Amen.
"for all day, every day, we are helping each other to our eternal destination."
This gave me a new perspective on the importance of lifting one another up. Whether it be through prayer, an encouraging note, or forgiveness given for pain caused, we are to lift one another up everyday. In a society where it is often considered 'weak' to pardon somebody when they wrong you and to be quick to forgive, it is all the more important that we remember that we are all children of God, and we are all sinners. This makes me want to extend more kindness and warmth to my neighbors, the mailman, the waitress, and the young mother with a screaming child in Target. I want to rise above what society has deemed 'normal' for the way that we treat one another, and be a light of God in the dark places.
Have a great day ladies!
Exactly! Society never drew anyone closer to Christ. Kindness will.
I was blown away, by all the hidden treasures in the midst of these scriptures. So, in an attempt to remember the call, and how important it is….I came up with this summary:
We are…
Convinced of His Sacrifice (v 14)
Compelled by His Love (v 14)
Conscious of our actions (v 13)
Committed by God to (v 14)
Christ's Ministry of Reconciliation. (v 19)
We are Christ's Ambassadors. (v 19)
I struggle so much with what exactly forgiveness entails. I know that seems like such a obscure statement. I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember. My walk with Christ has intensified immeasurably over these past few years as I silently dealt with my husbands multiple affairs and violent anger, as everyone outside looking in saw an amazing loving family. When he finally left to enjoy more extramarital activities I struggled with huge loss ( emotional, physical,financial). I couldn't hate, I wasn't angry, I was depressed but through counselling have overcome. I forgave immediately, praying for him, her, and her young family even as I struggled beyond what I could do to not loose everything with little help from my husband. Over the past two years of separation he has returned saying he is confused, made a mistake and I believed him giving of me hen he would leave again and be violent or hateful. I get that this is the victim mentality. But self condemnation was strong. I have since become so strong, confident, sure of my future path and perusing a legal separation and divorce. Then here he comes again offering reconciliation. I truely in my heart don't want this. Yet as a Christian I struggle with if I truely have forgiven my husband and he is asking for a chance do I have a right to say no. He has offered no proof, no change, I'm sure there is another woman involved yet do I have a right to say thanks but no thanks. As I face needing to return to a life that I was always unworthy I am becoming dead inside. It terrifies me. Yet when I read these devotions I feel I am being told my value is not what oils. Paramount, but I must sacrifice all I am and maybe he will be saved by seeing God through me…that through all his hate and anger he needs to be nurtured. " our love needs to be a costly love". But does that mean I need to loose myself again to facilitate the possibility of his exposure to salvation. Is that truely what God would ask of me. I don't want to be alone the rest of my life. But as a Christian woman do I have any choice. Such a hard truth to hold in my heart. I know our time here on earth is short. My God has carried me and cared for me so amazingly. How could I ever say no to what He is calling me to do. How could I think I have the right to say no to His ask of me to trust Him and follow His statutes.
Oh Sharon, my heart breaks for you in your struggle! I hope you are seeking the help of a strong counselor to guide you through this time. No one can tell you what to do, but please know that it is your right and responsibility to make healthy, loving choices for yourself. Just as it is your husband's right to make the choices he has. You are not responsible for his salvation. That is between him and God. You are only responsible your your own self-care. I'm praying for you, sister!
Sharon I just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and your husband this morning. I ask God to interrupt, cut short and destroy all the plans and schemes of the enemy toward your husband, you and your marriage covenant. I pray God will capture your husband's attention and deliver him out of his present adulterous relationship and open his eyes and ears to His truth. I pray also that our Father in Heaven would comfort you and speak clearly to you.
I am praying so much for you, Sharon! Many things that you've said about who you were in that relationship (self-condemning, etc) really stuck out to me. I agree with Lori; you definitely need to be seeking Christ and a Godly counselor through all of this, but from everything I've learned regarding forgiving people who put me in unhealthy situations, it is this: forgiveness and reconciliation do not always mean that things go back to how they were. In a situation such as this one, I don't think it should at all. Your husband obviously needs Christ– but like Lori said, you are not in charge of his salvation, and I think He needs to realize that you are not his cornerstone; only Christ can be that. Definitely take all I've said with a grain of salt, as I am not God and I don't know your life. I may be totally wrong– so I will continue to pray for you in the days to come, that Christ would make all of this clear to you.
Such an encouragment to my soul today!God has made us a new creation and then entrusted us(as messy as we are) with His message of reconciliation. Praying for a heart that sees others as Christ sees us. Messy . . .for sure. Loved beyond measure . . .absolutely!Praise God for love, forgiveness, renewal, redemption, and reonciliation like that!
"[The gospel of Jesus Christ] is as practical as our daily bread and as poetic as the lion resting with the lamb." This is a beautiful statement and for me really encapsulates the whole message today. Feed the hungry (both those physically and spiritually hungry) and be a peacemaker—love your neighbor as yourself. Really beautiful. Thank you. What a great image.
I'm weeping with this devo. I also had tears running down my face on my way to work after yesterday's devo. My heart is so heavy for my unsaved family and friends. I went to the funeral of my cousin his past Saturday. He committed suicide.
Two years ago, at my grandmothers funeral, knowing that about 98% of the people sitting in the church didn't have a saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, I was the only one that stood up to share a about the life of grandma, and I made sure to weave the gospel throuht it. This cousin that killed himself was there to hear the message.
My heart is breaking, our time to share is short, and I need so so so much help in my sharing. The boldness comes from God's strength not my own — I must remember this.
Praise God, yesterday as I was hurting for the lost, God helped me to have a quick lunch room talk with a gal that asked me (God totally paved the way for this) "do you believe in God?"
Please pray for me to be freed of my fear of sharing — the cost is too
high not.
My sweet friend…I am so sorry to hear about your cousin. One of my favorite scriptures is Rev 19:10. "The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy". You are a living testimony – the testimony of what change can occur when one's heart is fully surrendered to Christ. We are told that Christ is revealed in Creation – you are His creation. May God bless you today, with a new opportunity to share the difference His love made in your life. 'So that, you can answer those who take pride in what is seen' (v 12) – May they only see, Him in you.
With each tear you have shed, Christ's love has bore a little deeper – the more tears you shed – the greater the Love that dwells in your heart.
God bless you Valanne!
Thank you Janee. I'm really excite that the Lord is growing me in this area. Last year I made progress in this area of not being timid about my faith, and I really feel that God is trying to take me to the next level.
My fellow sister in Christ, I pray for healings during this tragic time for you and your family. I pray that they will seek answers through God. Sometimes in our darkest hours that is when people believers and non seek him the most. I pray that this incident will allow your family to seek Him.
Over the past year, I have really took more of an interest in God and his word. Never did I think I would be someone to speak about it. I'm still weary but if there is a slight chance to bring up the subject with someone, especially when they are struggling; I do. And honestly, I've only been comfortable with doing that over the last 6 months. But it has spread like wildfire! And gospel (what little it was) to them, has helped improve their life and their struggles. I pray to you, to me, and to all of us for courage to speak of God's word and spread his message. Let it bear fruit in the lives of others and in you. You will feel the warmth and can feel that our Father is proud.
You'll do great!! :-)
Marcella thank you for praying tor me. I so appreciate it.
I have this passage so highlighted and underlined in my Bible it is almost difficult to read-but somehow I have always missed verse 16!! “From now on, regard no one according to the flesh” this is huge!! What a challenge (and also a great relief at the same time!) I find that I am so often guilty of viewing others through a lense I would never view myself through. It’s easy for me to remember that I’ve been forgiven, changed, and redeemed, but how quickly do I forget that to be true for others and judge them instead of viewing them through a lense of reconciliation. Paul is clear, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. Lord would you help me to view ALL people through this framework-would I not become elevated in my own mind above others, when you’ve clearly forgiven all of those who find themselves running after you. I pray that I would be an ambassador for Christ, and that I would love your people without abandon. Thank you Jesus that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you for calling us new creations!
"how quickly do I forget that to be true for others and judge them instead of viewing them through a lense of reconciliation. " So true! Thanks for this great reminder to humble ourselves and see others more clearly.
This week, the Lord asked me to view others through a lense of what they have done right vs what they have done wrong. So your comment about viewing them" through a lense that I would never view myself through" came at perfect time. It reminds me of the saying "When we mess up – we want mercy. But when others make mistakes – we want justice". Today I pray, we all see others through the eyes of Christ, and love them with the Heart of Christ.
Praise God for this reminder of how we should let the forgiveness and grace we have been given from our Savior to those we touch today. I pray that as I encounter all those middle school hormonal kids today that I see past their smart mouths, crazy clothes and hair and see the heart and soul that God created. Have a great day.
"He included everyone in His death so that everyone could also be included in His life." 1 Cor 5:15
"God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God." I Cor. 5:21 (message)
What a friend we have in Jesus!
Vs 15 talks about how he died so that we would no longer have to live for ourselves is convicting to the core. So often I catch myself living for myself. We must day by day moment by moment remind ourselves of who we are, a new creation!
How can we keep it to ourselves? We are wiped completely clean – a new creation. And every person we meet can be so too. The new life within me is meant to change not only me, but those around me. Yet, I hide it under a bushel! Lord, give me boldness and opportunity to share You, and the amazing transfo4mation You have given me, with all who need it!
I really need prayer on this today. Our family is really struggling and has been torn apart and I feel like we have been wronged and I can completely forgive but not sure if I will be given the chance. My hub is being slandered and so am I by family members and it is very hurtful. I pray this will be reconciled soon but honestly it feels hopeless. I know God has a plan and I just pray we can see it soon. Honestly this situation is sending me straight to my knees and my bible. I know He has the answers.
Thanks for sharing this today, I imagine many others are dealing with similar struggles and I pray this Word will help to heal them as well.
Actually hit the thumbs down button! Praying for you and your family. Often it is too easy to forget who the real enemy is, so today I am standing in the gap against the devil and his attack on your family! Will be fighting along side you using the weapons the Father has given us!
I meant accidentally hit the thumbs down button! Lol!
TJ, I am praying for you today. God is doing something here, even if it feels dark and empty and hopeless. Our redeemer lives. Know that in this situation, when you are down on your knees and reading His word, praying, there is no better place to be. I pray God would give you wisdom and insight on any way you can lessen the hurt within the family; I pray He'd also give you strength to truly forgive and to not hold onto any of this pain in the future.
Oh, Amanda, the Word of God has cut me to the core this morning…and yet it was exactly what I got up early seeking for! "Our love for one another must be “a real and costly love,” Lewis says, for all day, every day, we are helping each other to our eternal destination."
I have struggled with something…stubborn, so stubborn was I! God was wooing me…drawing me and yet this was hard, so hard….and then this morning…
The grace you have is enough to share with your family.
The forgiveness you’ve been given is enough to offer to your friends.
The new life within you is not meant to change only you but the very world around you.
How can I hoard bitterness, unforgiveness, and even anger within? It will only hurt me! And the forgiveness that I have been given….oh my! It is enough….it is enough.
Let it change me today dear God, forgive me, give me the courage and compassion to let it. Amen.
Love you all, my dear sisters.
Thank you Lord for your unconditional love. Help me Lord to share your love wherever I am in Jesus name. Amen.
Hello, good morning my sisters, friends, fellow travellers on this road of Grace, Love, Redemption, Hope. Love. I say Love again because this is what it is……Love pure and simple……I am loved, you are Loved, our families and those we love are Loved, even those that challenge us are loved by the Great and AMAZING God we serve and love…..
My name is Tina and I am an ambassador of the Most High, of the Lord God, and today I will extend the Grace given to me, I will forgive as I have been forgiven, and this new life that I receive by the Grace of God I will share with those around me. Thank you Lord God for Your gift of Love to share, Help me to be an ambassador that would bring you glory today. I love you Lord God….Always. x
God bless you all, my sister's. X x x
Tina, I love that intro! " hi I am Tina and I am an ambassador of the Most High" …I am writing that on my heart…for I too am an ambassador for the Most High.
Beautiful! All praise,all honor, all glory, and all thanksgiving be to our God and King!
Beautiful, Tina! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing thus message if hope. It is such an encouragement to me this early morning. Thank you also to the whole team that puts these posts together everyday. I am grateful for the time and energy you pour out to give to others. Bless you.