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2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"

WORD STUDY

An ambassador is an official representative of one country to another. As believers, we are Christ's ambassadors, sent with his message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility. We dare not take this responsibility lightly. How well are you fulfilling your commission as Christ's ambassador? [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   After hurricane Laura ravaged South Louisiana in August 2020, a massive cleanup began with volunteers pouring in from all directions. Some groups brought chainsaws and equipment to cut up thousands of trees that had fallen on houses, roads, and power lines. On my local Louisiana town's social media page, I saw a picture of a tree stump that had a big, chunky cross carved into its top. The ground below it was covered with branches and debris, but what grabbed my attention was the image of beauty amidst chaos.
   I later talked with Keith, who has been carving crosses for many years during his cleanup work with the Shreveport Volunteer Network. Amazingly, this man can carve a cross in five minutes with a chainsaw. If there is no stump available, he often finds a big branch that lets him leave the symbol of hope after disaster, which Keith says mirrors what God has done for him personally - brought him out of disaster into a new life. To Keith, the cross represents the greatest love story ever told.
   If we believe in Jesus as our Savior, then we serve as His representatives on earth. Each of us has different skills and resources that provide unique opportunities to show the hurting world His forgiveness, unconditional love, and eternal life. Whether with words or with acts of kindness, I can, like Keith, leave behind a reminder of Jesus's love everywhere I go. Dianne Neal Matthews
   Faith Step: Ask Jesus to show you ways to leave behind a reminder of His love in every interaction you have today. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

COMMENTARY

Confidence at Being Christ's Ambassador
   Your job in God's family is to invite others to join the family. In fact, you are an ambassador of Christ. That means that, everywhere you go, you represent Jesus.
   The Bible says, "We are ... Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV).
   Now, you may be thinking, "I'm just not qualified to be an ambassador for Christ." You think it requires a special personality or being good at persuading people. Or perhaps you struggle to find the confidence you need to tell people about the hope you have in Jesus.
   Here are five truths that will give you confidence to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ:
   Everybody has the same longings you have. You didn't stop being a human when you were born again into the family of God. You still have the same basic human drives and desires everyone else does. That means what you're offering to people - how to live a life of purpose - is what everybody longs for.
   Everybody has the same questions you have. All those questions you have in your mind - like "Who am I?" and "Does my life have purpose?" - are from God. They're not small questions, but they're the questions everyone asks. And the answers, of course, are found in God's Word.
   Most people don't really know what they believe, and they often contradict themselves. For example, some people say there are no absolutes in life. Well, that statement alone is an absolute statement. But when you share the hope of Jesus, it brings clarity to people's lives.
   Listen for the key that will open their heart to Jesus. That key is their unmet need or hidden hurt. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ. But people come to Jesus for many reasons - many times through their painful experiences.
   People have excuses, but you have the Holy Spirit and the truth. You're not alone when you tell people about God's plan of salvation through Jesus. God is with you, but he is also working in the other person's heart while you're talking through the Holy Spirit.
   So many times, people lack confidence in sharing their faith. The good news is, God will always tell you what to say when you need to say it - and he'll do it in such an amazing way! [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190830-1026.html

2 Corinthians 6:1 - Don't Receive God's Grace In Vain!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2001/20010709-0000.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/