Compelled by the Love of Jesus |Jason Ricafranca | 2 Corinthians 5:11-15
What drives a faithful Christian life? Is it outward impressiveness, public recognition, or something deeper? In 2 Corinthians 5:11–15, the apostle Paul contrasts surface-level spirituality with a life truly shaped by the gospel. While some placed their confidence in appearances and external influence, Paul’s ministry was fueled by something far greater: the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ. This passage invites us to consider what really motivates our service, our worship, and our witness. The Christian life is not sustained by performance, image, or applause, but by the mercy we have received in Jesus and the love that now compels us to live for Him. As we reflect on this passage during Palm Sunday, we are also reminded of the expectations people had for Jesus as He entered Jerusalem—and how His mission would prove far deeper and more glorious than they imagined. Join us as we consider what it means to live not for appearances, but for Christ.
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2 Corinthians 5:11-15
11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.