2 corinthians 2, spiritual fragrance diffusers

Read 2 Corinthians 2 at Bible Gateway.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. 2 Cor 2:14-16

His knowledge, His truth, our witness and testimony, carries His fragrance with it, which is diffused out from us as we go about our daily lives. We are fragrance diffusers! So how do fragrance diffusers work? A scented candle releases its scent when it is lit. Those plug in air fresheners (we have all seen commercials for those things) have to be plugged in to work, because when heat is applied to the fragrance, it causes it to be diffused. Incense needs to be burned in order to release its scent. And on and on.

When heat and fire is applied, then the fragrance that is within, is released out, and we become fragrance diffusers. The fire can be from the burning of the Holy Spirit within:

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Mat 3:11

So let us have oil in our lamps, and keep us burning, burning, burning, dear LORD! And also, fiery trials can serve as the heat source to diffuse the fragrance of Messiah within us:

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Pet 4:12-13

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. – Mark Twain

You know, not everything is always about us! Sometimes the LORD allows fiery trials to come upon us, so that His fragrance will be diffused to someone who needs to smell it! May I learn to respond to trials with joy, knowing that in You I have victory and every needful thing, rather than with hand- wringing and grief!