April 2
The Motivation
of Love
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Daily Steps
Living with eternal purpose isn't driven by guilt or obligation; it's driven by a profound inner force. This verse reveals the motivation of love that secures a peace-filled, purposeful life for the new believer: Christ's love compels us.
The word compels means to control, restrain, or urge on with a powerful inner drive. This drive comes from the conviction that Christ's death was for all (including you).
The peace of this motivation is found in the shift of ownership:
Old Life Ended: Because Christ "died for all, and therefore all died," your selfish, old way of life is spiritually finished.
New Purpose Began: Your new life is dedicated to no longer living "for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."
When you truly accept that Christ died for you, your natural response is to dedicate your life to Him. This surrender to the motivation of love removes the anxiety of having to invent your own purpose. Your peace is secured by the simple, powerful mission of living for the One who gave you everything.
Reflective Question
If you allow Christ's love to truly compel you today, what is one selfish activity or thought pattern that you could lay down and replace with an action done purely for Him?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love, which compelled You to the cross. I surrender my own selfish ambitions and anxieties about my life's purpose. I ask that Your love compel me today. May I no longer live for myself, but with a passionate, peace-filled dedication to living entirely for You, who died and was raised for me. Amen.
