The expression "love of Christ" (ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ) can be either a subjective or an objective genitive. The use of the genitive (Χριστοῦ) can only be determined by context (Robertson, Grammar, p.499). The phrase could be understood as an objective genitive meaning Christ is the object of our love. However, the better interpretation is a subjective genitive meaning that Christ is the subject of the love. Christ's love for us is the basis of our love for Christ (Martin, 2 Corinthians, p.128).
God establishes the relationship. He initiates the love. Our love is a response to His love. Paul explains the statement by pointing to Christ's love on the cross which is why we should take it as a subjective genitive. Paul is talking about Christ's love for us "having concluded" (κρίναντες) that He died for us. The cross is on Paul's s mind. Christ's love is the motive for his ministry. Christ's love is faithful. Our love is fickle. If our love for Christ motivates our ministry, our ministry will be like riding a roller coaster. Our love for Christ has highs and lows. Our love is inconsistent. The only solid foundation for our ministry is Christ's love for us proven on the cross. Because He loved us enough to die for us, we are moved to love Him enough to live for Him.
Christ's love "controls" us. There are 3 basic meanings of the word συνέχει, 1) to hold together, 2) to enclose or lock up, and 3) to oppress or overpower. The third meaning derives from the second. To enclose or hem in leads to controlling or ruling (TDNT, 7:877-879). The New Testament does not use the word to mean hold together. Luke commonly uses the word with the sense of to enclose or to close. Paul seems to use the word to mean dominate or overpower (TDNT, 7:882-883). Christ's love controls us not so much in the sense of urging us to serve but in the sense of hemming us in on all sides or pressing us into service. He locks us up in love. Christ's love confines us, limiting our choices. It may even be said that Christ's love harasses us so that we have no rest until we do all we can for Him (Meyer, 2 Corinthians, 6:528).
The love of Christ controls us like a narrow pipe restricts the flow of water. The velocity of the water increases as the flow of water is restricted. The intensity of our ministry increases as His love for us constricts our service for Him. We are squeezed by His love on the cross until we can do nothing else but serve Him in response. The verb (συνέχει) is a present tense indicative. Christ's love for us dominates us continually in life.
Oppressed by His love we are pressed into His service.
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