2 Corinthians 5:11-21

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

(v12, NIV)

Paul is and has been giving them a full and truthful account of himself. He is trying to reveal to them his heart and not just his appearance. There are people who only judge based on outward appearance.

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.

(v14-15, NIV)

We needed saving and Jesus died for us. We have been bought and are owned by God. Our life we have is because of Him and we should therefore live for Him.

For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

(1 Corinthians 6:20, NASB)

We have been bought. We are also now a new creation. Our sins have been washed away. We have been reconciled to God because of Jesus' death on the cross. In this we are seen clean because of him and owe our lives. Let us live in such a way.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

(v21, NIV)