The Constraining Power of Love
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. 2 Corinthians 5:14
Christ gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work by hours. His time, His heart, His soul and strength, were given to labor for the benefit of humanity. Through weary days He toiled, and through long nights He bent in prayer for grace and endurance that He might do a larger work. With strong crying and tears He sent His petitions to heaven, that His human nature might be strengthened, that He might be braced to meet the wily foe in all his deceptive workings, and fortified to fulfill His missions of uplifting humanity. To His workers He says, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done" (John 13:15).
"The love of Christ," said Paul, "constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). This was the actuating principle of his conduct, it was his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the loins of his mind and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his labors for his brethren he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power. (The Ministry of Healing, 500)
Reflection: Had Christ complained that the work was too hard or that He wasn't paid enough to work hard, where would we be? LOST! Paul followed Christ's example of hard work without complaining. What was the common thread? If you said "love" you are right. Let us ask the Lord to give us His love so we might not give stinted service.
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. 2 Corinthians 5:14
Christ gave no stinted service. He did not measure His work by hours. His time, His heart, His soul and strength, were given to labor for the benefit of humanity. Through weary days He toiled, and through long nights He bent in prayer for grace and endurance that He might do a larger work. With strong crying and tears He sent His petitions to heaven, that His human nature might be strengthened, that He might be braced to meet the wily foe in all his deceptive workings, and fortified to fulfill His missions of uplifting humanity. To His workers He says, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done" (John 13:15).
"The love of Christ," said Paul, "constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). This was the actuating principle of his conduct, it was his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the loins of his mind and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his labors for his brethren he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power. (The Ministry of Healing, 500)
Reflection: Had Christ complained that the work was too hard or that He wasn't paid enough to work hard, where would we be? LOST! Paul followed Christ's example of hard work without complaining. What was the common thread? If you said "love" you are right. Let us ask the Lord to give us His love so we might not give stinted service.
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