2 Corinthians 5:14-15 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.

This is a mouthful, whatever language you’re using! The lead phrase gets translated several ways, and all of them shed light on what Paul was talking about. The NIV says “compels,” the TEV says “leaves us no choice,” and the Japanese I’m using says “surrounds us (hems us in).” The whole point is that the more we know of Christ’s love, the more we not only want to live for Him, the more we want to tell others about Him so that they too may live for Him. I think I am agreeing with Paul here in saying that anyone who feels no urge to tell others about Christ really doesn’t understand His love. Paul was not what you would call a “lovey-dovey” guy, but he was absolutely blown out of the water by God’s love in Christ Jesus. His conversion was dramatic, certainly, but that alone doesn’t account for it. Paul came to his understanding of God’s love by walking with Him in the daily fellowship of obedience. Love is the one thing that violates the physical law of entropy, because when exercised, it only increases. The more we grasp God’s love, the more we love Him, which enables us to understand His love even more, in a glorious cycle. However, for that to happen our love for Him must be expressed in obedience. Anything less is not really worthy of the title of love. Jesus was completely clear about that: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) That’s why His love leaves us no choice (to use the TEV turn of phrase).

I can still remember my mother coming back from an emergency trip to the US, back when the TEV was a new translation. She had been reading a copy on the plane as she headed for the US, and got to this passage, and it really clicked for her. She had been struggling with her motivations in various areas, and this suddenly made it all clear. That has stayed with me, and I have benefited from the insight God gave her. I am not to rebel against my circumstances, but rather to trust God precisely because I know He is love, and all His plans for me are love whether I understand them or not. That’s not to say I’m to be a doormat, because often God allows things in my life to teach me to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. Whatever happens in my life, my question to God is not to be, “Why?” but rather, “What do You want me to do in this situation?” When that is my attitude, He will indeed guide me, and the results will be glorious.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I still have room to grow in choosing obedience over grumbling. Help me be an increasingly effective communicator of Your love to others, so that they too may choose to obey You in response to Your love, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!