Christians have had to defend their faith against false teaching and rival philosophies and religions in every generation. There are deep-seated strongholds of atheism, secularism, moral relativism, and pluralism that seek to extend their influence throughout the world. Islam and Hinduism are militant forms of false religions that compete for the minds and hearts of this generation. The idols of material success, and the desire for fame and notoriety are powerful seductions.

He is telling us that we should give as we love. We know how much our Lord Jesus Christ loved by knowing how much he gave. As Jesus said of the woman who poured her precious perfume upon his head when it might have been sold for much and the money given to the poor, or she could have kept the perfume for herself: "She gave much because she loved much". Jesus gives as he loves us and we should measure our love by our giving. Jesus gave all he had, even when it cost him his life.

James 4:1 says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" (NIV) Every trouble starts because of our self-centeredness.

It's very easy for selfishness to creep into relationships. When you start a relationship, you work really hard at being unselfish. But as time goes on, selfishness begins to creep in. We put more energy into building relationships than into maintaining them.

This is the message St. Paul is expounding in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. He described the Gospel in terms of God's work of reconciliation. Reconciliation is a diplomatic and political term referring to harmony established between enemies by peace treaties. It is also a personal relational term referring to harmony between people alienated from one another by an offense. It results in the restoration of a friendly relationship.