2 Corinthians 5: 20b-6:10
We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
As God’s fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
A Thought
Paul encourages the church to be ambassadors of Christ: We are to represent Christ, in the same way that Christ gave himself for us to be reconciled back to God in his righteousness, in the our everyday lives to others. Since we have by faith accepted the perfect life, death and resurrection of Christ, who knew no sin, as penalty for our sins, we have entered God’s favor. Now we are the servants of God regardless of the troubles, hardships, or distresses we may face. We should all minister in the power of the Holy Spirit with sincere love, in patience and with kindness that others may receive the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice! Today is the day of salvation.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for giving your Son who knew no sin to be our penalty for sin. Fill us with your joy. Strengthen us by the power of your Holy Spirit to have great endurance to proclaim your love and grace to others. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
