“For the love of Christ controls us…” 2 Corinthians 5:14

Love is a curious thing. The true meaning of love is often lost in a culture that has commercialized the idea of love into being a fleeting emotion of the moment, drowning in the midst of a pink haze of hearts and rose petals. But every now and then, some truth shines forth as being deeper, stronger, and more lasting than just an emotion. One such revelation came to me today when I read the verse above.

Love has power.

If you’ve ever sat back and observed two people in love, you’ll know what I mean. There is a certain sparkle in their eyes, an unmistakable glow, and a curious preoccupation with the person of their affections. It is as if they are being controlled by a deep, insatiable force that gushes up like a fountain and flows into every fiber of their being. But beyond simply the affection or devotion of two people, this idea of love penetrates deeply inside of life itself.

The word used in 2 Corinthians 5:14 is synecho, which means “to hold together, to hold together with constraint, to compress, to hold completely.”

Solomon says “love is as strong as death.” (Song of Songs 8:6). God’s love was so powerful that it held Him to the cross (1 John 3:16). Having perfect love casts out all fear (I John 4:18). Romans reminds us: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels or rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Can we even grasp what this means to us?

It is the love of Christ that keeps us from falling apart, from giving in to the destructive poison of our own sin, from ruining our lives by trying to control ourselves. It is the love of Christ that gives us security, a sense of purpose, and the ability to spread that love to others.

If we can imperfectly be controlled by a love for a person, how much more should we surrender to the deep richness of everlasting love that comes from Christ?

What a life-changing thought.

~ Beth