2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord- Verse 7for we walk by faith, not by sight. Verse 8Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. Verse 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. Verse 10For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. Verse 14For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. Verse 15And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
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!
Devotion
What does it mean to be compelled to view others through the lens of Christ? Is it to no longer regard them as the fallen, sinful humans we know them to be, but to see Him reflected in their face? How do we break the worldly habit of counting flaws and withholding forgiveness?
If I view others through the lens of Christ, does that mean I have to view myself through that lens, too? To no longer regard myself as the fallen, sinful human I know myself to be, but to see His face look back at me from the mirror each morning? How do I stop counting my own flaws? How do I forgive myself?
Prayer
Jesus, compel me to forgive and be forgiven, to acknowledge that you died not only for me, but for my brothers and sisters as well. Let me see your new creation and celebrate it! Amen.