Proper 6: Epistle, 2 Corinthians 5: 1-10 (11-17)                           

2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (11-17)

This week’s epistle is one that comes with what I call a “tail” in the lectionary. There is a prescribed reading, but then there’s an extended passage that may be read as well. It’s where I am headed today. Paul has been relating how the Christian has a massive hope tied to the resurrection of the body. And we have touched on that in the epistle reading from last week. That hope is tied into the love of Christ for His own, those who have tasted His heavenly gift. And that love comes with a strong compulsion within. Some translations say that the love of Christ controls us (5:14), but my preference is the sense that some translations pick up. The love of Christ compels His children to take that new and sure hope to those for whom Jesus has died who simply are yet either unaware of that truth, or who may have even rejected the gospel in a previous offer. The love of Christ compels His brothers and sisters to open their hearts and yes, mouths to declare the love of God in Christ for all. Knowing what Christ has given for and to us, could we truly respond any other way? And yet for me, and I would venture for the great majority, we keep our mouths closed far too much. Is it for fear? For lack of knowledge? Possible rejection? Yes, it may be for all those reasons to a point. But behind it all is a lie. The devil’s lie that we just don’t have to speak up. Someone else will. That lie works and keeps us silent most days.

Question: Is love’s compulsion strong enough to open our mouths? It’s a fair question. We need to grapple with it. Are we compelled by Christ’s love? Or simply content to stay silent?