Read: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? 17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
Fragrance is a sweet smelling aroma that diffuses to the surroundings, creating a pleasant feeling. As believers, are we genuinely like a fragrance to people around us? God wants His followers to spread the Good News. Paul the apostle took it as his mission to spread the fragrance of God’s gospel wherever he went. To some who heard the Word, it was a sweet smelling aroma and to the others, it was a stench (2 Cor. 2:15). Some accept and some deny. Only God’s sheep can really hear His voice. Many people try to look closely into the lives of believers and see if they are really genuine, if they are really spreading the fragrance of the gospel or leading a double life. But Christians do not always behave like a fragrance. Paul accuses the Jews in Rom. 2:24, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” It is sad that sometimes the name of Jesus is blasphemed because Christians stink due to their lack of integrity, evil deeds, and unholy walk.
When we spend a lot of time with someone, we begin to think and act like that person. A man is known by the company he keeps. Spending time with Jesus will help us spread a pleasing fragrance to those around us. People were able to understand that Peter and John were with Jesus even after His death and resurrection, because of the fragrance they spread.
We are not to hide that aroma of God’s Word from people, but we must be bold to preach to them in season and out of season. And let our character and behaviour reflect that of Christ. Let people smell Jesus in and through you!
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