“For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.”
What does this mean? “Constraineth” means to control, to hold together, or to arrest like a prisoner. A prisoner has lost his rights to do things his own way. His choices are limited to the rule of the prison. Paul said that he was a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ. Love must control us.
The Message Bible says: “Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat.”
God’s love limits our choices. When I am faced with a tough situation, I don’t have the option of hateful behavior anymore. Loves limits my responses to the options allowed. I can love them, do good things for them, forgive them, etc., but I can’t do whatever I feel like doing in the flesh. This love produces a whole new way in which to live. Thank God the love of God constrains me.
My human love is limited and fails, but God’s love is perfect and powerful in me.
- Reading Plan A: James 3
- Reading Plan B: John 15
- Reading Plan C: Ezekiel 24-26; James 3
by Tim Davidson
Excerpt permission granted by
Word of Faith Church & Outreach Center
Called to the Body of Christ as a pastor and teacher, Tim Davidson pioneered Word of Faith Church in Bismarck in 1980. He served as its Lead Pastor for 35 years and now serves as Founding Pastor. Pastor Tim has pioneered 6 churches in North Dakota and now serves as Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association International. Teaching believers foundational truths from God's Word is his passion.
He has authored 3 yearly devotion books that are used both here and overseas to help believers become "rooted and grounded" in their faith.
God is now calling Pastor Tim to share the treasury of wisdom and knowledge God has given to him with other pastors and churches.