“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” — 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
Understanding the love of Christ is the cornerstone of understanding our new life in Christ. Love is the language and breath of Heaven. Everything God did and does for mankind is rooted in His love for us.
Paul writes to the Church in Corinth and charges the people to be compelled by the love of Christ: “For Christ’s love compels us…” The Greek word Paul uses here is the word “agape.” Agape is a word that is so passionate, emotional and affectionate that it’s hard for our brains to comprehend. In verse 15, Paul reminds us that it was that kind of love that caused Jesus to die “for all.”
But what does this love compel us to do? It compels us to be like Christ and show passionate, emotional and affectionate love to our friends, family and ultimately the world. Love is action. I need to ask myself on a daily basis, “Am I compelled by the love of Christ?”
Paul didn’t bring up the sins of the Corinthians in this part of the letter, but urges them and us to understand what it means to experience an undefiled love. A love that causes us to be different. A love that challenges us to talk different. A love that produces newness of life in us and through us.
— LaMorris Crawford, former Cincinnati Bengals chaplain
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com.
Click here for all Sports Spectrum Daily Devotionals
>> Purchase “The Increase 52 Week Devotional” to further grow your relationship with Christ <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
