“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.“

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

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October 13, 2025

What happens when a person is compelled—is moved—by the love of Christ that reconciles enemies? What does it look like when a person is first drawn by and then driven by the love of God shown to us in Jesus? 

It looks like “what Ousamma did”. 

Ousamma is a member of Wheaton Bible Church. This is a bit of his story.  

As a young man growing up in Egypt, Ousamma was often angry. In fact, when he would return home at the end of the day, the first question his family would ask him was, “Ousamma, who did you fight with today?” Through a remarkable set of circumstances, Ousamma encountered Christ. The old hostility faded, and a spirit of gratitude and compassion blossomed in him. Amazingly, the reality of the inner change is evidenced by what Ousamma did. 

A talented young clothing designer and tailor, Ousamma moved to Lebanon and pursued his dream of opening his own fashion design studio and clothing production. He gathered resources, borrowed some money, rented a space, and purchased sewing machines. But shortly before he opened his business, a thief broke in and stole Ousamma’s cash and equipment. All his collateral was gone; his dream died. To add to the disappointment, Ousamma felt certain he knew who had robbed him, but could offer the police no proof. 

A short time later, however, Ousamma heard that this man had been in a serious auto accident and was in the hospital in critical condition. Ousamma also learned that the man needed a blood transfusion—but there was a problem. The hospital had no supply of the man’s scarce blood type. Guess whose blood type was a match for the thief? Yep, Ousamma’s. And do you know what Ousamma did? He gave his blood to save the life of the man who robbed him and killed his dream. 

How do you explain this? When we’ve been shown mercy and experienced the love of Christ, we become new, seeing others differently. We stop taking tally llying others’ insults and offenses against us and find tangible ways to extend forgiveness and friendship—even to those who act like our worst enemies. 

At least, that’s what Ousamma did. 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What moves you? What steers your thinking and spurs your action? 
  • How has experiencing Christ’s shocking mercy and deep love changed you?  
  • Would others infer Christ’s love as your motivation? 

Church Reading Plan: 1 Kings 16; Colossians 3