Living Out God’s Crazy Love - Wholly Loved - November 5
Living out God’s Crazy Love
“If we are out of our mind it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” 2 Corinthians 5:13
I hope someone has told you how crazy you are or recently given you a baffled look. As the public watches us live for God’s glory, they should see a bit of crazy.
As I read through 1st and 2nd Corinthians I wondered what the author Paul’s audience thought of his actions inspired by God.
Were they shaken that Paul would endure beatings and imprisonments for the sake of the gospel? Perhaps they thought he was a little strange choosing to be a nomad, walking the globe, telling people about Jesus. Did they think he was wrong for preaching love and faith in a time of persecution?
Today’s verse suggests the Corinthians couldn’t quite understand such a bold and divinely purposed way of life.
How many times have I sought the world’s good opinion instead of my Father’s—sought my glory instead of His? If my life looks “acceptable” to the world, who am I living for? Whose purposes am I seeking?
But if our lives look strangely different than the world in a faith-filled, exhilarating, divinely loving, powerfully reaching kind of way; perhaps it’s a glimmer that we are living for God’s sake instead of our own.
When we understand God loved us enough to die in our place, it gives our life importance. And that importance gives way to purpose—to live extravagantly for the One who took our place. This isn’t out of obligation, but out of gratitude and joy.
Living in Christ’s unconditional love helps us live out life-changing love to others.
His love urges us to forgive, not condemn, encourage when we see sorrow, respond with gentleness when attacked, and speak truth in love when it’s hard. It makes us desire to live for others like Christ lived for us.
Throw off cultural expectations and live out bold crazy love with Christ.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at Glory-Be.org
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