Ambassadors of Christ

 

Representing Jesus in the World

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God 

were making his appeal through us. 

We implore you on Christ’s behalf: 

Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 

To be an ambassador is to represent someone greater than oneself. Paul says that every believer is Christ’s ambassador—a representative of heaven, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. We are not saved merely to receive grace, but to share it, carrying the appeal of God into a hurting world. This calling flows from a transformed identity: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor 5:17). As Eugene Peterson paraphrases, “God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing… persuading men and women to enter into God’s work of making things right.” We speak not on our own authority, but on behalf of the One who sends us.

Lesslie Newbigin reminds us that the gospel is not only to be proclaimed but embodied: the Church must be “a sign, foretaste, and instrument of the kingdom of God.” In other words, we don’t just talk about reconciliation; we must live it—in our relationships, communities, and practices of justice. Our very lives are the message. Donald Coggan, former Archbishop of Canterbury, said, “The Christian ambassador carries more than words. He carries presence—the very presence of Christ in the world.” Through kindness, courage, and compassion, others encounter Christ in us. 

As Christ’s ambassadors, we are chosen, empowered, and sent. We are called to live with integrity (Philippians 1:27), speak with grace (Colossians 4:6), and act with holy love. In every setting—home, workplace, neighborhood, or online—God makes His appeal through us. Let us represent Him faithfully, lovingly, and boldly.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for calling us to be Your ambassadors.

You have reconciled us to the Father and now send us to carry that good news into the world.

Let us live lives shaped by Your truth, justice, mercy, and peace.

May others encounter Your presence through our witness.

Use us to make Your appeal.

In Your name, Amen.