Reconciliation People | Pr.Raph | Jul 6, 2025

The apostle Paul calls believers to live as reconciliation people—those moved by the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11–15). Our motivations in life and ministry must be shaped not by personal gain or recognition, but by reverence for God and gratitude for the Cross. “For the love of Christ controls us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14). This love is not passive; it compels us to live no longer for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose for us. As Peter responded to Jesus in Luke 5:8–11, genuine fear of the Lord leads to surrender and mission. True transformation begins when we live in full awareness of Christ’s sacrifice.

In Christ, we are no longer who we were. Paul emphasizes a new perspective: “From now on… we regard no one according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 5:16). Outward appearance or past failures no longer define us. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This identity shift leads to a new mission: “God… gave us the ministry of reconciliation” (v.18). Just as Christ took our sin so we could become the righteousness of God (v.21), we are now called to see others through the lens of grace, and to treat them as people God wants to restore.

Having been reconciled, we are now Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). We carry His authority and urgency: “Now is the favorable time… now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). We do not represent ourselves but the One who sent us. Like the Gerasene man who was delivered and then sent (Mark 5:19), our salvation is not just freedom—it is a commission. Therefore, Paul pleads, “Do not receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1). Grace is not an excuse for passivity—it is the fuel for active, bold, love-driven ministry (1 Corinthians 15:10).