“And all this comes from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
—2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV

What God does in us is not just for us. It always has a higher purpose.

2 Corinthians 5:18 says that God reconciled us to himself and gave us the “ministry of reconciliation.” What God did in us he also wants to do through us in the lives of others.

Jesus left us this command: “Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV). Jesus loved us even though we didn’t deserve it, and he called us to show that same love to those around us: to our neighbor, to the excluded . . . even to our enemies. Jesus called us to be people of love.

Everything changes when we realize that we are God’s representatives here on earth.

Every interaction becomes an opportunity to show others that same love that God generously offered us.

Remember that today when someone disrespects you, annoys you or gets on your nerves. You can react the “normal” way and fight fire with fire, or you can remember that God has given you the ministry of reconciliation.

Here is a short prayer to carry with you today:

Breathe in: As you have loved me,
Breathe out: Help me love others.