Verse of the Day: If Anyone is in Christ, the New Creation Has Come–2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Verse of the Day: If Anyone is in Christ, the New Creation Has Come–2 Corinthians 5:17

“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. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” –2 Cor. 5:16-17

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You’ve probably heard the expression, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” (Socrates). And, this is true. But there’s an important element we could add to make it more Scriptural: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is not only fighting a hard battle, but is a beloved child of God.” It may not have the quick-witted ring to it as the former, but it adds a much needed (and required) knock that opens the door to blessing.

In the first part of this verse, St. Paul wrote to the Church of Corinth: “from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” (v 16). Why? Because everyone we meet is a child of God — and therefore we should treat them accordingly. In the second verse he added: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (v 17)

On the one end, the Apostle Paul reminds us that everyone we meet is indeed a child of God. And therefore, as stated above, we should treat them accordingly. On the other end, he reminds us that when we abide in Christ, we become a new creation ourselves! This, by the way, is wonderful news for anyone who feels they’ve made mistakes in the past (and/or wish they could forget something from their past altogether). Think about the grace in this promise: ‘In Christ, you are a brand new creation!’ The old (the past) is gone and, through baptism, the new has sprung forth! Praise God!

Take a moment today to thank the Lord for His unfathomable mercy. Thank Him for cleansing you of sin and making your wrongs, right; your future brand new. Whatever it is you’ve been holding on to, let it go. Spend the time you would normally be thinking of your past, praising God for your future. And while you bask in this state of gratitude with Him, remember: Just as God loves you, so does He love your neighbor. With the same kindness and mercy He extends to each one of us, we are called to extend to others. It is this very cycle of mercy, love and compassion that opens the floodgates of Heaven in your life – both today and always.