16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:16-19
Think about how Paul once viewed Christ – heretic, blasphemer, enemy–but he understands Christ as the one who brought reconciliation through his death and resurrection and has inaugurated the “new creation.” How does that change is view of others?
What does it mean to only view someone from a worldly point of view? How does the reconciling work of God challenge and change your view of others–including those we often consider “enemies”?
Each day (except Sundays) during Lent, we will post a Scripture for reflection on our theme, “Military Withdrawal.” Together, we will learn to walk in God’s ways of peacemaking and reconciliation. These posts are meant to stimulate conversation and interaction. Please post your thoughts and comments.
Tongue on Fire 