2 Corinthians 5:9 states, "Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him."
Let's break down what this verse means:
"Therefore": This word connects this verse to the preceding verses. In this context, Paul is referring to the judgment seat of Christ (verse 10). Knowing that we will all stand before Christ to give an account of our lives, and knowing the fear of the Lord (verse 11), motivates him to live in a way that pleases God.
"Also we make it our aim": This shows intentionality. It's not a passive hope, but an active goal and ambition. The phrase emphasizes that pleasing God is a conscious and deliberate pursuit. The "we" likely refers to Paul and his fellow ministers, but is applicable to all believers.
"Whether at home or absent": "At home" refers to being present in the body, alive in this earthly life. "Absent" refers to being absent from the body, or dead, and present with the Lord. The idea is that regardless of our current state of existence (alive or dead), our goal remains the same: to please God. This highlights the continuous nature of the Christian's commitment.
"To be well pleasing to him": This is the core of the verse. "Him" refers to Christ. The phrase speaks of seeking to be acceptable and agreeable to God in all that we do. This involves obedience, faithfulness, and reflecting Christ's character in our lives. This pleasing Him is not about earning salvation, but it is the natural outflow of a heart that has been transformed by grace.
In essence, this verse means that because believers will face Christ in judgment, they should make it their life's goal to please God in every aspect of their lives, whether they are alive and actively living in this world, or have passed on to be with the Lord. It's about living a life that reflects God's love, grace, and truth, and striving to honor Him in all things. It emphasizes that pleasing God is the primary motivation for a Christian's actions.
2 Corinthians 5:9 states, "Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him."
Let's break down what this verse means:
"Therefore": This word connects this verse to the preceding verses. In this context, Paul is referring to the judgment seat of Christ (verse 10). Knowing that we will all stand before Christ to give an account of our lives, and knowing the fear of the Lord (verse 11), motivates him to live in a way that pleases God.
"Also we make it our aim": This shows intentionality. It's not a passive hope, but an active goal and ambition. The phrase emphasizes that pleasing God is a conscious and deliberate pursuit. The "we" likely refers to Paul and his fellow ministers, but is applicable to all believers.
"Whether at home or absent": "At home" refers to being present in the body, alive in this earthly life. "Absent" refers to being absent from the body, or dead, and present with the Lord. The idea is that regardless of our current state of existence (alive or dead), our goal remains the same: to please God. This highlights the continuous nature of the Christian's commitment.
"To be well pleasing to him": This is the core of the verse. "Him" refers to Christ. The phrase speaks of seeking to be acceptable and agreeable to God in all that we do. This involves obedience, faithfulness, and reflecting Christ's character in our lives. This pleasing Him is not about earning salvation, but it is the natural outflow of a heart that has been transformed by grace.
In essence, this verse means that because believers will face Christ in judgment, they should make it their life's goal to please God in every aspect of their lives, whether they are alive and actively living in this world, or have passed on to be with the Lord. It's about living a life that reflects God's love, grace, and truth, and striving to honor Him in all things. It emphasizes that pleasing God is the primary motivation for a Christian's actions.
