For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Everything Paul has taught us this week points to this. You could also say everything the Bible says points to this. God loves us so much He is willing to do amazing things in order to reach us and bring us back.
This passage (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) shows that in Christ we are a new creation, and the things of the past can be left behind us. When we accept the forgiveness and love He offers, we can become part of what He is doing in the world. Jesus came to be our model that we might learn to be like Him and continue His work.
What are you doing to be part of this kingdom mission? We must pray for strength to complete the hard tasks that face us and love to be able to work together. Jesus expects us to put Him and others first, ahead of our own wants and needs that the Good News of salvation might be shared with all the world.
Wise and wonderful God, we are lost and broken without Your healing forgiveness. Let us see that we are your children, forever connected to You and our brothers and sisters, invited to be new creatures through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Amen.