Speaking as Persons of Sincerity

The People of God Set Priorities
Bearing One Another's Burdens
A Community Forgives

2 Corinthians 2:12-17 The Message

An Open Door

^12-14 When I arrived in Troas to proclaim the Message of the Messiah, I found the place wide open: God had opened the door; all I had to do was walk through it. But when I didn’t find Titus waiting for me with news of your condition, I couldn’t relax. Worried about you, I left and came on to Macedonia province looking for Titus and a reassuring word on you. And I got it, thank God!

^14-16 In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
^16-17 This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.

 
For Reflection

God will open the doors for repentance.  God will prepare the way,  God will give us the power to speak.  If we are in God, in the Spirit, or in Christ, we carry the scent of redemption. We do not profit from nor dilute the gospel.  We are the proof of salvation.

 

Pray

for wisdom and find the opportunity to become wise.  Pray for courage and find the opportunity to be courageous.  Pray for obedience and find the opportunity to obey.  Thank God for providing opportunity.