2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (AMPC)

14 But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,

15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:

16 To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]

We are having our spring at Lake Almanor, a little later than most of yours and certainly shorter but it is spectacular and I revel in the beauty and scents every day it lasts! I am a gardener of the heart and the scents of flowers always lift my spirit. When you drive up to our home in June the minute you leave your car you are met with the almost overwhelming sweet sent of whatever bush lines my driveway! In the back yard I am always sticking my nose in the latest iris or rose bloom. Flower scents make me feel good and energized somehow.

I know that we are created in the image of God and that my pure enjoyment of sweet scents came from Him. To think that Paul tells us we are like my flowers to Him! The scent of Jesus rises up from us to His awareness and must have the same effect as my garden does for me but even greater. Then Paul tells us that to those who are being saved that same scent is discerned. Not only noticed but it does much more, it brings life, it is fresh and alive!

I could not help but meditate on these verses. I have often reflected through the years that to many who do not know Christ and may not want to, the Holy Spirit’s presence in me has driven them away. There is a discernible scent of doom coming, even if they refuse to acknowledge it. Knowing this has helped me to understand the unexplainable reaction at times to many when truth is shared. It often elicits overly strong emotional reactions that make no logical sense…I have learned not to take it personally..

This week however the Holy Spirit was emphasizing to me the scent of life we are to give to those who know Him or are coming to know Him. What does it mean to bring life to another? To release a actual discernible scent in the spirit realm that is fresh and invigorating? The amplified calls it a vital fragrance. In my mind this describes someone who by being with them infuses hope, vitality, strength and energy to others. A tall order to be sure but Paul encourages us further chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 where he tells us that of course we are not sufficient in ability for this but that our power and ability and sufficiency are from God and that it is the Spirit that makes us alive! Then in verse 17-18 he shares the “how to” key:

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (AMPC)

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).

18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

As we spend time in the word of God, meditating on it, asking the Holy Spirit for revelation we hear Him, we experience His presence and we become just a little bit more like him moment by moment. When I think about Jesus with others I think about His love for them, displayed in the most practical ways. He constantly served them. In my study this week in Hebrews I came upon a passage that I think reflects His heart and is a great way to spread His fragrance:

Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMPC)

24 And let us consider and give [a]attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,

25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

Attentive, continuous care to watching over each other! Actually studying how I might stimulate and motivate others to love more deeply and feel loved more profoundly! To encourage them to use their gifts to help each other. Warning, urging on and encouraging others!

The last few weeks have been challenging for me. We moved back home to Almanor to a house and yard that were screaming for attention! Not unusual after being gone for 5 months, what was different was that Dave had just had a knee replacement so I really had to do both our jobs and take care of my wonderful husband in recovery. Oh yes, and then I got a cortisone shot that I was allergic to. I only share this with you because at the end of 4 weeks I was exhausted and the shot adversely effected my mood. The result was that I strongly contemplated leaving teaching and writing behind…

Then I read these passages.  One way I am able to encourage is through teaching and mentoring. To continue to be a sweet fragrance to both God and others I can not just stop operating in the gifts He has given me! In my life this is a means to watch over others and hopefully encourage them and stimulate them and bring life! So God in His grace healed me once again and of course gave me the strength to finish all the work and study. He is amazing especially when we are obedient.

We all need to reflect on how we can use the gifts He has given us to bring life. How we might study each other and ask how our gift will encourage and vitalize them. How we might be a sweet fragrance of life to another. Please do not think lightly of your gift. I have been so encouraged by a word, a tangible gift, a hug, help clearing a drive way, food brought at the right time, the list goes on and on. Today I am hoping you will simply ask how to use what you have to bring life and His love to another. Perhaps to be a sweet rose to someone who needs a bit of refreshment…..