The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 2:14-16, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet

aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;

16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.”

If you’ve ever gone somewhere, expecting to be met by a close and beloved friend, only to find he was not there, you have

more than a good idea how the Apostle Paul felt when he arrived in Troas and found that the intended Titus was not there.

Instead of commencing his ministry, Paul went in search of Titus.

Paul never mentions whether he found Titus. Apparently, he did not, because he journeyed on to Macedonia. And all the time,

he was praising the LORD saying, “…thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ…” Paul would not allow

anything to mask the joy he possessed in Christ. To the contrary, he spoke of Christ as manifesting the “sweet aroma of the

knowledge of Him in every place.”

There are commentators that see a parallel between what Paul states about an aroma and the incense carried by militarists

coming home in Roman triumph over an adversary. That may be true; yet, I like to think that Paul’s reference came from

Christ Himself. When we are like Him, we demonstrate a charismatic aroma of love and courage that reveals to others that

we know Him and are dependent upon Him for every victory our life experiences. Moreover, that spiritual aroma is Christ’s

aroma working its way through us and anchoring itself in the Father. Even pleasant physical aroma is always cited in Scripture

as a tribute to the LORD.

At the same time, that aroma is noted by those among whom we walk. It may manifest itself through us to others in a smile of

love, or in a tender act of kindness, or through a thoughtfully sincere word of encouragement in a dark and uncertain hour. When appropriate, that aroma bursts forth in courageous triumph, sharing the Good News to those who are bound by the chains of sin.

Who knows who is awaiting such a word? And sensing the aroma of Life in us, no doubt they wonder why we fail to share such

good things with them. When was the last time you courageously shared Christ with someone? Do it today! Jesus will provide

the courage you need. He provides the aroma, too, that makes them want you to stay close and share His love.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”