2 Corinthians 5:8-20
8Yes, we are of good courage, and we awould rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to bplease him. 10For cwe must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, dso that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.The Ministry of Reconciliation
11Therefore, knowing ethe fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But fwhat we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 gWe are not commending ourselves to you again but hgiving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13For if we iare beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For the love of Christ jcontrols us, because we have concluded this: that kone has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, lthat those who live might no longer live for themselves but mfor him who for their sake died and was raised.16From now on, therefore, nwe regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is oin Christ, he is pa new creation. ▼
▼Or creature
rThe old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18All this is from God, swho through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us tthe ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling ▼▼Or God was in Christ, reconciling
the world to himself, vnot counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us wthe message of reconciliation. 20Therefore, xwe are ambassadors for Christ, yGod making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
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