2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21(NIV)
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. 20 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. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Title: God forgives, so must we.

Message: God disregarded our shortcomings and sinfulness. This he demonstrated through Jesus Christ. The Father Himself exercised and will always exercise forgiveness, so, why can't we? Forgiveness is a godly act and that we ought to reflect.

Promise to Claim: God's righteouness warrants forgiveness. He commits the message of reconciliation to us that we ourselves manifest it.

Command to Obey: Learn forgiveness and demonstrate it. Let us forgive those who had done us wrong and pray for them. Let us bless those who have used and abused us. Practice reconciliation as how our Father in heaven reflected it.

Warning to Heed: Treat no one from a wordly point of view as this isn't God's example. He requires us to do otherwise by sacrificing His very own son Jesus Christ.

Application: Forgiving and reconciling to those who did me wrong have always been a struggle for me. However, God Himself demonstrated both forgiveness and reconciliation in an incomparable manner. Thus, opposing such acts would be shameful. I need to forgive those who did me wrong and ask forgiveness to those I have offended. This is God's demonstration of unconditional love. So must I do. Please be with me Lord as I try my best to practice your example.