Fragrance for God?

Paul touches on many different subjects within this short chapter, but i found the main themes and lessons to be forgiveness as well as evangelism through our lifestyle.

He talks to the church about forgiving the sinner. Im sure forgiveness is always one of the harder things to do, it calls for humility, confrontation, and most importantly, love. When we hurt someone or we ourselves are hurt, it hurts more than just the offended, but the offender and those around them as well (v.5). Think about it. If there is hurt or unresolved conflict or tension between two parties, there will always been this negative ora around them, if you will. And without anything being resolved, it causes them to become bitter, and hate begins to grow in their heart. It also makes it awkward for those that know both parties, and it affects everyone overall. But as Christians, we should forgive others as we were forgiven (v.10). Of course it will be difficult, but as we look to Christ and as for his help, he will give us the strength and ability to forgive, to love and forget about the wrongs they have done.

On the flip side, Paul goes on to talk about his visit to Troas and Macedonia. In this part of the passage, verses 15-16 really stood out to me, saying,

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.Who is sufficient for these things? - 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

"a fragrance of death death, to the other fragrance from life to life." What could that mean? Going deeper into the scripture and the context, Paul was talking about being the aroma of Christ. Living as followers and giving off this aroma. Im sure you've passed by someone with perfume or cologne on, sometimes you like it and sometimes you are just disgusted. In a similar sense, its the same with us. We cannot stop our scent from lingering about, but some people will be drawn towards it, and some will reject the gospel. But, what is most important is that you are living out a life, striving for righteousness, set on Christ. If you are living a double life, then the aroma you are giving off is not godly at all. So it starts with you. The response from others is completely up to them. But we must start living this life for God.

And lastly, "who is sufficient?". Paul reminds us that no one can do this alone. Sharing the gospel is humanly impossible. We need God's guidance, his work in other's hearts, and his strength to rely upon. He is the one working behind the scenes, directing and planning, making everyone come to life, having it all fall in place at his perfect timing. We are just his instruments.

verse of the day: Colossians 3:12-13

¹² Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.