HIGHLIGHT
2 Corinthians 2:15–16 (ESV): 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.
EXPLAIN
2 Corinthians is believed to be actually the fourth letter of Paul to Corinth Church. From his statements in the two letters we have, it appears that a first and third letter were written, but were not preserved.
Between 1 and 2 Corinthians, Paul’s plans had changed. The letter he had written in between was very sharp, but necessary for the people to finally repent.
Now Paul defended his change of plans. He also urged the people to forgive the man who had sinned in their church and accept him back.
As Paul continued to explain his movements to Macedonia, he used the analogy of Christ as a conquering general leading the apostles as captives in a triumphal procession, through them spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.
APPLY
This is an amazing idea – that we are the aroma, the smell, the fragrance of Christ. To those who accept Christ, we are a fragrance of life, but to those who reject him, we are the fragrance of death.
As the fragrance of Jesus, may people smell him, not me! To whatever degree I am seen, may my life promote Christ!
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, make of me a pleasing aroma for Jesus, drawing others to you by the smell of grace, love, and faith exuding from me. Amen.