“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. 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. Who is sufficient for these things?.. As commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.”
“Our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
“God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us… We who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”
“The love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised… Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16,17b; 3:5b-6; 4:6-7,11; 5:14-15,20-21
Paul spent his redeemed life for the gospel. His heart pulsed with the compulsion of Christ to make known His grace and truth. The time was always urgent, his message always clearly conveyed with open heart and mouth. He preached under pressure, extreme hardship, controversy, and mistreatment, caring only that the life of Christ be presented and received. Every now was a favorable opportunity to present his Savior to be seen and savored. (2 Corinthians 6:2-11)
Do we realize the quality of life we own in Christ? What are we doing with it? How are we, in every encounter, spreading the eternal life He’s given us to produce and enhance life in others? With whom do we share love and light that are other-worldly and life-giving? Where are we conveying forgiveness, compassion, mercy? Whom are we lifting up, edifying, consoling?
To reproduce life we must cultivate and nurture it in ourselves. Rich seasons of time in God’s word, specific application of His character and principles to everyday pondering and situations, and a willingness to share the fruits of life with others all contribute. The Spirit does the work, both hidden and seen, and guides us in our part. How passionate and available are we to manifest His life wherever He plants and leads us?
Lord, with every breath You give, may I speak and live Your life to others for their hope and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 