2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. Verse 17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! Verse 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; Verse 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. Verse 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. Verse 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Devotion
Today’s text, a continuation from yesterday, bids us change our perspective. Instead of regarding one another merely from a human point of view, we are called to shift focus. There is a new creation: Business as usual just won’t do. There is a ministry of reconciliation: Friendship and understanding become the norm for disciples. We are ambassadors for Christ: We are authorized as Christ’s representatives in the world. Such turnabout is consistent with renewal, a movement from the dead-ended ways to new life patterns. This is God’s new deal. It’s a deal no baptized believer would want to refuse.
Prayer
O God of the new creation, renew our hearts and minds, our souls and selves so that we may walk in the light. Help us to reconcile and be reconciled; and, as your ambassadors, let us represent you in truth and love. Amen.