THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

Diana Kriesel

Friday, 4/2/10 – Judges 13-16; 2 Corinthians 2 – “THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST”

S – 2 Corinthians 2:15 – “As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us.” (Living Bible)

O – Paul is saying that we are a sweet fragrance to God, and to those around us, both saved and unsaved. God is pleased when we ‘live’ the gospel out in our lives. That aroma comes from the precious life of Christ WITHIN us, and lived out THROUGH us. Paul identified his own life as a sacrificial offering, which was pleasing to God.

A – As we live our lives proclaiming the gospel with our words and our actions, something precious comes forth unto the Lord, bringing Him pleasure. Sometimes when the gospel confronts people’s lives, it is received with joy; other times it is rejected. Our responsibility remains the same: to show forth the love of Christ. Even though the results are left in God’s hands, we can take joy in knowing that our efforts are not in vain, they bring the Father the aroma of obedience.

P – Lord, we desire to have such a holy love for you that we do not falter when people do not respond to the gospel message the way we would hope. May our purpose be to bring You pleasure. No matter what.