Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 2:15-17

For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

Paul mentioned here, in that every believer is the aroma of Christ, which refers to the witness of life. Since this aroma comes from knowing Christ, the more we know Christ, the stronger the aroma becomes. Have you come across people with the aroma of Christ? They are full of joy in the midst of suffering, helping others with compassion and full of wisdom when it comes to making decisions. Many times we tend to expect this of others, but the truth is God's will is to start with us. When you start spreading this aroma, the surrounding environment will begin to contain the breath of Christ. But this will bring about two results, one is salvation, while the other is death.

What is the result of salvation? It is when people see the testimony of Jesus in you and me, they are touched and they open their hearts toward God. They are willing to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. This aroma becomes to them the fragrance of life. Conversely, when a person sees the testimony of Jesus, but refuses to believe in God, that becomes the smell of death.

To us who are believers, we have great responsibility and authority because others see the testimony of Christ in us and decide whether to accept Christ or reject Christ. Salvation comes from God Himself, so we should not worry too much about it. However, in daily lives, we should live according to God's truth. This is the most effective witness on earth. Because the people of this world do not care so much about the fact that Christians make mistakes; but they are anxious to see how Christians face up to their mistakes.

I have heard a seeker say this one time during a bible study class. When he saw how his roommate was facing up to the truth of his faith, not covering up his weakness and struggles, it really shocked him. Later, he accepted Christ himself. Indeed, this is the aroma of Christ God wants us to show. Are you willing to be honest with yourself and living according to God's truth today?

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, we thank you because you use our ordinary lives to manifest your supernatural powers. May you be the strength for my brothers and sisters and cause them to stand up for your name's sake. Let them be honest with themselves and be true to their faith, so that others may experience the aroma of Christ. We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!