November 19: HEMMED IN BY HIS LOVE

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2 Corinthians 5:14 — “For the love of Christ constraineth us.”

Pastor Kevin Anthony Danvers 
Cayman Islands Conference 


Paul uses a remarkable word when he says the love of Christ “constraineth” us. The Greek sunakō is far richer than our English translation. It describes a powerful force that surrounds, secures, directs, and preserves, like a traveler in a narrow gorge, pressed in by rock walls on both sides, unable to turn aside, only forward. This is how God’s love guides the believer: not to restrict us, but to keep us on His perfect path.

When life feels chaotic, sunakō reminds us that God’s love is the force holding everything together. When our will weakens or obedience falters, it is the compelling pull of divine love that moves us in the direction God desires. The word also conveys being tightly held, enclosed, gripped, encircled, or even kept in protective custody. We are not holding God nearly as securely as God is holding us. His love presses us forward and refuses to let us slip away. It is stronger than our fears, failures, doubts, and even our resistance.

This preserving love echoes through Scripture. God says, “I have engraved you on the palms of My hands” (Isa. 49:16), not written or sketched, but engraved, permanent, and indelible. Isaiah 41:10 adds, “I will strengthen thee… I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.” God’s right hand represents strength, protection, ownership, and sustaining power. When He upholds you, nothing can pull you away. Jesus affirms this in John 10:28-29: “No man is able to pluck them out of My hand.” Not hell, not circumstances, not mistakes, nothing can pry you from His grasp.

Early in my relationship with my wife, I instinctively placed her on my left side whenever we walked, keeping my right hand, the hand of strength and protection, free in case anything unexpected occurred. What began as simple care in our courtship became a steady practice in our marriage. As our children grew, that instinct also extended to them. Whether in crowds, on busy streets, or in everyday moments, I kept them close on my left, within reach of my right hand, to guard, guide, and intervene. Over time, I realized this small habit had become a living picture of love expressed through vigilance, positioning, and intentional care.

And through it, I saw something profound about God. If I, with all my limitations, am so intentional about keeping my loved ones within reach of my strength, how much more does God keep us within the reach of His infinite right hand? He positions us where His grip is sure, His shield raised, and His protection strongest.

 PRAYER: 

Father, thank You for the constraining, preserving, surrounding love of Christ. Thank You that I am engraved on Your hands and upheld by Your strength. Hold my life together when I am overwhelmed. Guide my steps when I am uncertain. Keep me in the grip of Your love, the strongest and safest place I could ever be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


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