For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:14,15.
Compels, sunecho; Strong’s #4912. From sun, “together,” and echo, “to hold”; so “to hold together,” or “to grip tightly.” We have a word picture that describes people who are afflicted with various diseases and pains (Luke 4:38) or paralyzed by fear (Luke 8:37), crowds hemming Jesus in (Luke 8:45), an army surrounding Jerusalem (Luke 19:43), soldiers arresting Jesus and holding Him fast (Luke 22:63).
In every use of the word, there is a sense of constraint, a tight grip that prevents an escape. The love of Christ: His love for us, which motivated Him to die for us. Compels: Constrains, confines, leaves no option. Christ died as the substitute for all; therefore, He died as the representative of all, and all died in Him.
This is the implication of what it means to be found in Christ. To be so utterly convinced of His sacrificial death for us and to sincerely want to live every single moment for His glory.
The love of Jesus leaves us no choice except to live our lives for Him.
Chris
Dec 23, 2012 @ 23:30:26
Thanks for another nugget, Manny. His love is the most compelling force in the universe.