2 Corinthians 2:14-17 NKJV
[14] Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. [15] For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. [16] To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? [17] For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
Good Morning!
As believers in Christ, it is our call of duty to share God’s love with others with compassion and humility. The lost of this world will only know The Lord through the fragrance of Christ that we share. Our lives are a living testimony of what God can do with a sinful being. At one time, we too were lost, living for the world. Let’s never forget what it was like when we walked in darkness with no hope. We would never want to return to that life and we should want the same for others.
John 15:16-17 NKJV
[16] You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. [17] These things I command you, that you love one another.
Jesus’ command to all believers is to “go and bear fruit.” Let our fruit be fragrant and ripe, good for eating, good for sharing and one that gives hope to a dying world. Never let our fragrance “stinketh” of judgement or indifference.
Jesus also instructs us to love one another. This means EVERYBODY, from the least to the greatest, all colors, all nationalities and every walk of life. Our job is to simply love each other and let the Holy Spirit do the job of changing hearts.
It is for us to only carry the fragrance of Christ, just as Jesus demonstrated. Think about all of the sinners that Jesus came across (Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman at the well, etc.). He never met them with judgement, but only compassion and forgiveness. That is the sweet smell that we should carry with us, as we abide in Him bearing much fruit that is pleasing and fragrant.
To carry the fragrance of Christ does not necessarily mean preaching to others. More it is to live as an example, sharing faith when opportunities arise, praying with and for others, not letting the world shake us in its peaks and valleys and living generously. People will take notice and the fragrance of Christ will be evident as it permeates the hearts of those around us. As we stay connected as branches to the vine, God will let our lives bear much fruit, fragrant and ripe, for His kingdom.
Matthew 10:24 NKJV
[24] “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
John 15:5 NKJV
[5] “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
The prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3:14-19 is one that we may pattern ourselves after — praying for all others to be filled with the fullness of God and to comprehend how big the love of God really is. In doing this with humility and the love for others, our lives will be filled with the fragrance of Christ!
Ephesians 3:14-19 NKJV
[14] For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, [16] that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, [17] that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- [19] to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
I love you and am praying for you today!
Dad