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“For the love of the Christ constrains us…and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live to themselves, but to Him who died for them and has been raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 JND).
We do not use the word “constrain” much in everyday speech, but it is a strong word, meaning to compel or force someone to follow a particular course of action. It may not be physical force; in fact, it is usually a moral force—something we cannot see. Yet it is still a mighty power.
In our Christian lives, God does not make us do certain things to please Him. Rather, He works in our hearts to remind us of His love, and the love that took our Savior all the way to Calvary’s cross. When the love of Christ has really touched our hearts, it is the strongest force to keep us from sin, and to give us energy in the service of the Lord.
Naturally we all want to live for ourselves, and to spend our time, energy and money doing what we want. But if we remember the One who left the glory of heaven to come down to this earth to die for us, it will touch our hearts, and make us want to use all that we have for His glory.
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