In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul spells out what governs and shapes him in his gospel ministry. His logic is the logic of Christ’s love—it controls not only what he says but also how he says it and to whom. This famous verse, when understood in its context, not only challenges us in our own life goals and decisions, but also enables us to assess our own personal ministry; and that of other forms of Christian ministry as they are presented to us.
12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
