I Know it Sounds Crazy But…

2 Corinthians 5:11–15 CSB

11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearance rather than in the heart. 13 For if we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.

Paul concluded the previous chapter reminding us that we will all stand before God and be held accountable for our actions on in this life. 2 Corinthians 5:10 “10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

We are called to persuade people to choose Jesus over the world.

We will not always be successful in our attempts.

Speak the plain truth and let God do the rest.

If we act according to our calling we will look insane at times.

Our love of God and our love of others will not be understood by everyone.

The cross, the teaching, the reality of Christ is foolishness to a world lost in sin.

Jesus’ love for us and our love for Him leaves us no choice but to share Him with others.

Jesus died for us - we are to live for Him.