II Corinthians 5

Paul, speaking to the whole body (group) of believers, addresses the life and death core of the gospel summed up in one word, “reconciliation.” There is much that is relatively peripheral in preaching and teaching. Some considerations are in the “good to great” range of interest, but notreconciliation. “God was in Christ (5:19) reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation!! (italics mine).

This is not good or better, but “either/or”. Paul’s passion comes through, “...we beg of you (v20), be reconciled to God.” The inevitable result is reconciliation to those around us.