Self-giving and responsibility for others: a reflection on missionary discipleship based on 2Cor 5,14-17

Abstract

By stating that "only one died for all," "so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died and was raised for them" (2Cor 5,14-15) Paul precedes the following expression: " the love of Christ compels us "(2Cor 5,14). As Christ left his example, Christians should love and assign themselves tasks on community service, be dedicated and taking responsibility for others. This article aims to reflect on the pastoral implications concerning the concept of "new creatures" with a focus on self-giving and responsibility for others. Therefore, at first, it reflects on the concept of "new creatures", emphasizing the love of Christ as motivation for the practice on Christian life. Then presents discipleship in self-giving, a result of the new life in Christ, elements that allow us to present the concept of responsibility for others from the community service. It concludes that "living for Christ" implies a pastoral practice in which: a) the redeeming love of Christ compels a person to a new life and requires attitudes according to this love; b) Serving the community in self-giving is consequence of this new life; c) Community dimension leads to participation in building the Kingdom of God and takes to the responsibility for others.