2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 (NIV)
In these verses, Paul sees all believers as “Christ’s ambassadors.” An ambassador doesn’t speak for themselves; they speak for others. Our lives, words, and our actions are meant to make visible the love of Jesus to everyone.
Then he writes: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.” Reconciliation means restoring harmony and it involves forgiveness and understanding. We can forgive and try to understand other people. But neither forgiveness or understanding is something we can negotiate or earn from God; Jesus died so we could be reconciled with God.
Grace is always timely, but it is also urgent. Not anxious or panicked—urgent in the way love is urgent. God’s invitation is not meant to be postponed until life calms down or we feel more ready. Grace meets us in the middle of the feeling of overwhelming helplessness and even hopelessness.
We receive God’s grace without delay, without excuses. Let us allow God to reconcile not only our relationship with Him, but also our relationships with others. And to accept our role as ambassadors, trusting that God speaks through ordinary, imperfect people like us.
Questions for Reflection:
- What does being Christ’s Ambassador mean to me?
- Do I feel reconciled with God? With others?
- What does grace look like in my life right now?
Prayer:
Thank you God for meeting me with grace right now. Help me to receive Your love fully and to live as an ambassador of Your peace and love.
Amen.
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