2 Corinthians 5:19-20
Verse of the Day
Monday, January 13, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Introduction
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 is a profound passage that highlights God's work of reconciliation through Christ, and the role believers play as ambassadors of this message. The Apostle Paul, addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizes the transformative nature of this reconciliation and its implications for living as new creations in Christ. This passage invites us to consider our role in God's mission and challenges us to embody and proclaim the message of reconciliation actively.
Commentary
That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
Paul explains that through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, God has reconciled humanity to Himself. This reconciliation is not merely a theological concept but a reality where God no longer holds humanity’s sins against them. This act of grace underscores the depth of God’s love and His initiative to restore a broken relationship with creation.
So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Believers are called to be Christ's representatives, entrusted with the responsibility of sharing the message of reconciliation. As ambassadors, we speak and act on behalf of Christ, urging others to embrace the reconciliation that God offers. This verse highlights the gravity and privilege of our role in God’s mission.
Understanding Context
Paul’s message in this passage is rooted in the broader theme of reconciliation that flows through 2 Corinthians. He writes to a divided and struggling church, reminding them of the new life and mission that comes through Christ. In the Greco-Roman world, ambassadors carried the authority and message of their sovereign, representing them in foreign lands. Paul uses this image to emphasize that believers living in a world estranged from God are entrusted with the sacred duty of representing Christ.
This passage also reflects the core of the gospel: God’s initiative to reconcile with humanity despite their sin. It is not through human effort but through divine grace that reconciliation is achieved, and this message is entrusted to believers to share with the world.
Application for Today
1. Living as Ambassadors: As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the message of reconciliation in our daily lives. This includes demonstrating love, forgiveness, and grace in our relationships, reflecting the transformative work of Christ.
2. Proclaiming the Message: The task of sharing the gospel is not limited to clergy or missionaries. Every believer is an ambassador tasked with proclaiming God's reconciliation through words and actions.
3. Reconciliation in Action: In a world marked by division, hostility, and estrangement, this passage challenges us to be agents of reconciliation. Whether it’s fostering unity in our communities or promoting peace and understanding, we are called to mirror God’s reconciling work.
4. Self-Examination: Paul’s appeal to “be reconciled to God” is an ongoing invitation to examine our own hearts. Are there areas in our lives where we need to seek reconciliation with God or others?
Reflection
Take a moment to consider your role as an ambassador for Christ. Are you representing the message of reconciliation with authenticity and grace? Reflect on relationships or situations where reconciliation is needed and pray for the courage and wisdom to act as Christ’s representative. Finally, give thanks for the immeasurable gift of reconciliation that God has offered through Christ, and seek ways to share this gift with others.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through Christ. Help us to live as Your ambassadors, faithfully proclaiming Your message of love and grace. Empower us to bring reconciliation where there is division and to be instruments of peace in a broken world. May our lives reflect the hope and healing found in You. Amen.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
