Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them – 2 Corinthians 11-15, NLT).
What is the apostle Paul saying here? He’s saying that as ambassadors of Christ and in godly fear, he and those who are with him worked to persuade others. They were not doing it to make themselves look good as some were doing, boasting about their ministry when their hearts were not in what they were doing. It was all an outward show. That isn’t the kind of ministry or service God wants from us. He wants our hearts to be sincere in the work we do. He wants our motivation to be driven by love for Him and for those whom we are reaching out to. Our motives like our hearts are to be genuine. Jesus’ ministry was motivated by His love for His Father and us.
Jesus wasn’t trying to put up a spectacular show or to impress people. He was doing the will of the Father who sent Him. Likewise, we are to do the same. Through our actions, we bring glory to God. The love of Christ is what compels us to share the Gospel. He didn’t die only for us but for everyone. And since He died for all of us, we must all die to our old way of living. This is what we tell people. That He died for them so that when they receive His new life, they will no longer live for themselves but for Him. They will live for the One who gave His life for them so that they would have everlasting life once they believe and accept His offer of salvation.
Let our love for God and others always be at the heart of what we do. This isn’t about us but it’s about God who is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV).
Notes to Women 