Amazing Love

I love to take the time to look at a Bible verse in multiple translations. It gives me a greater understanding of the verse. Let us look at 2 Corinthians 5:14 in some other versions and note the differences: “For the love of Christ compels us” (NKJV).

“For the love of Christ controls us” (ESV).

“For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us” (AMPC).

“Christ’s love has moved me” (The Message).

Each of these translations uses different words where the King James Version used “constraineth.” These words include compels, controls, urges, impels, and moved.

These are all strong verbs that carry strong meanings.

So what does it mean for something to constrain us, to compel us, to control us? What kind of love is this? We do not have to look far for the answer.

This is the love that led Jesus to the cross to die for sins that were not His own. This love enabled the Father to willingly give His only Son to die for us.

And each day, the Holy Spirit gladly comes into our hearts when we invite Him. He never tires of our struggles and always gives grace and mercy to heal and restore.

That is amazing love! Equally amazing is that God is willing to use us as a channel of His love to reach others. I love this quote: “The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor.” With all our faults and sinful ways, God still sees us as fit vessels through which He can show His love. Because He walked the path of loneliness, financial trials, and grief, He can work through us to share His amazing love with a world that is sick and dying without the hope of a new life to come. “The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has for us.” Do you believe? I hope you do because God’s amazing love can change you, your present life, and your future.

Heather-Dawn Small