SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1144

“The Fragrance of Christ”

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. – 2 Corinthians 2:14

Fragrances make us feel something. They can trigger memories, make us salivate even though we may not be hungry and can make us feel happy, contented and at peace. Fresh baked bread, lavender, citrus, and peppermint are all ‘feel good’ aromas.

This phenomenon is the basis for Paul’s use of the aroma metaphor as he continues in his letter to the Corinthians.

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life… – 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

The context of our reference scripture was a familiar scene to the Corinthians. The triumphal procession was that of the victorious army returning to the praise and cheers of the crowds who would throw fragrant flowers in their path. There would often be prisoners from the defeated enemy marched in the procession on their way to be executed. To the victors the fragrance was life and to the defeated, the fragrance was that of death.

Is the ‘fragrance of the knowledge of Christ’ left behind in your daily interactions with people outside of the church community of believers?

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13

Does your lifestyle example live up to being the ‘aroma of Christ’ not only to those who are being saved but also to those who are perishing? For some that are perishing the ‘aroma of Christ’ that you impart may trigger a memory – something implanted by the Holy Spirit in their heart – and they will repent and come to salvation through Jesus.

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

Others that are perishing may harden their hearts because of the ‘fragrance of the knowledge’ of Jesus that you bring. This is a root cause of the persecution that the Body of Christ is experiencing throughout the world even today.

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, – 1 Thessalonians 2:2– Acts 4:29

May you boldly live your faith in Jesus in this world. May the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ be evident in all your daily interactions as you are empowered by His Holy Spirit.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7