Daily Devotion - July 24, 2023

The love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all … 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. (2 Cor. 5:14-15)

Why do sins tempt us? Because we love them. Consider this: if a sin did not attract you, then it would have absolutely no power in your life. Our sins control us by our love for them. 

What can displace such controlling love for sin? The answer: a greater love. 

When our love for Christ is the top priority in our lives, it drives out our love for sin and encourages our devotion to him. Scottish preacher Thomas Chalmers once described this process as the “expulsive power of new affection.” He understood that our behaviors change as our affections change. We will most do as we most love.

We conquer sinful passions, when our greatest desire is to please the One who died and was raised for us. This doesn’t mean that battling sin will never require intense spiritual warfare, but victory lies in intense affection for our Lord.

 That is why Paul wrote to believers, “The love of Christ controls us.” We no longer live for our sinful desires when Christ is our greatest desire. He fuels that desire by filling us with love for him through the grace he provides for our sin.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, work in my heart – convicting of sin and convincing of grace – so the love of Christ controls me. Help me so to treasure his sacrificial love that my greatest desire is to honor him.