Others-Centered Living

This week's memory verse:
2 Corinthians 5:14-16

14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 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. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

Christ's love compels us.
In other words, Christ's love motivates us to pursue our calling.

The Greek work for "to compel" is synecho, which means "to hold something together so that it does not fall apart." From this, we get "hold fast" and "surround."

Christ's love completely controls and dominates us so that we have no option but to serve the Lord.

We are convinced.
Also, "we have judged this," from the Greek krinantas touto. "Krino" means "separate" or "sift." It is a word used for a conclusion drawn after thoroughly evaluating facts. Paul assessed the evidence and came to the carefully thought-out conclusion that one died for all, and therefore all died.

Conviction: One died for all. (All believers? All humanity.)
Rationale: that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Christ's self-sacrifice had a particular goal in mind, that we should live others-centered. Christ himself came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:42-45).

We regard no one from a worldly point of view.
"To regard" is from two Greek words:
Oida - to see with the mind's eye (to know by reflection)
Ginosko - to know by observation

Human standards are faulty because they are based on external things like heritage, intelligence, social status, and wealth. We should no longer measure men by the standards of race, natural gifts, social standing, or possessions.

Lord, I am compelled by your love! It surrounds me, holding me together. Without it, I would surely fall apart! As a result, I want to no longer live for myself but live for others, not to be served, but to serve. Help me to look at other people and see them as you see them, disregarding the world's view of them. Race, natural gifts, social standing, and possessions have nothing to do with their value, which comes from you. Give me opportunities this week to serve others and to love on them with all the love you have shown to me. I love you, Lord.