2 Corinthians 2:14-17
14 I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume. 15-16 In fact, God thinks of us as a perfume that brings Christ to everyone. For people who are being saved, this perfume has a sweet smell and leads them to a better life. But for people who are lost, it has a bad smell and leads them to a horrible death. No one really has what it takes to do this work. 17 A lot of people try to get rich from preaching God’s message. But we are God’s sincere messengers, and by the power of Christ we speak our message with God as our witness.
In this second letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the ministry he has been given and the joy he finds as he helps others in their relationship with God. When the Word of God is preached, it can become the fragrance of life—Good News—to those who receive and apply it. Certainly, the Word leads surrendered hearts toward a better life. Additionally, when the Word of God is preached, it can become repulsive and offensive to those who reject it, because it reminds people of their own spiritual death.
God sets before us life or death, blessings and curses; he encourages us to walk in obedience to his commands and choose life (Deu. 30:19). The Apostle Paul quickly tells the Corinthians he is preaching to please God; therefore, some people will choose life and some will choose death. May the Spirit make us hungry for the Truth that leads to life.
Prayer: Lord, you make every one of your children useful for the Kingdom. Send us out in the power of your Holy Spirit to accomplish what only you have the ability to do. We are here to serve you and speak the Truth in love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.