Devotion for May 19
By byFaith Staff

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 Cor. 5:14-15).

What is the most powerful human motivation? Love! We shouldn’t let that truth merely be a sentimental or romantic affirmation.

What drives a mother back into a burning building? More powerful than fear, or pain, or personal preservation is love.

Why does the Bible focus so much upon our need to love God – identifying such love as the greatest commandment (Matt. 22:36-38)? The answer is that there is no more powerful human motivation for God’s purposes. When we love God above all things, even our own lives, then living for his highest priorities is our greatest compulsion.

What creates such love in us? The Bible is clear about that, too: We love because God first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19). When we are convinced that Christ died for us, then we desire to live for him. His love makes us want to do his work, and his resurrection power in us makes that possible.

We may still get nervous when we try to tell others about Jesus, or stand for him against opposition or temptation, but the love of God compels us – as it did the Apostle Paul – when we remember his grace.

Prayer:
Lord, I confess my hesitation to live and speak for you. May the love you have shown me now compel me to show and tell others about the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

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