In 2 Corinthians 2:12–17, the apostle Paul opens his heart.
A door had been opened for the Gospel in Troas, yet his spirit had no rest because he did not find Titus.
This reminds us of an important truth: serving God does not remove our humanity.
We can be called and used by God, and still go through moments of inner anxiety.
But instead of remaining focused on his distress, Paul lifts his eyes and says:
“Thanks be to God, who always brings triumph to us in Christ Jesus.”
This triumph does not mean a life without difficulties.
It means that, whatever the circumstances, God uses us to spread “the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”
A believer is like a perfume: not always speaking, yet their life gives off something.
Our attitudes, integrity, love, and way of living all spread a knowledge of Christ.
Paul even says that we are the sweet aroma of Christ to God. Our lives can remind others of Jesus.
Yet this same fragrance does not produce the same effect on everyone:
for some, it opens the heart to life;
for others, it exposes their refusal.
The message remains pure, but hearts respond differently.
Facing such a responsibility, Paul cries out:
“And concerning these things, who is so suitable??”
The answer comes immediately:
“For we are not like many others, adulterating the Word of God…”
Here is the central point. The fragrance of Christ in our lives depends on the purity of the message we carry.
To corrupt the Word is not only to lie. It is to alter it:
softening what should correct,
silencing what disturbs,
adding human ideas,
using the Word for personal gain,
seeking to please people more than God.
Paul says, not like many others.
He speaks with sincerity,
from God,
before God.
He sees himself under God’s gaze, not under human applause. That is what keeps the message pure.
A mixed perfume loses its scent.
A diluted Gospel loses its power.
True triumph is not popularity, but faithfulness.
God is not looking for impressive voices, but for sincere hearts that transmit His Word as He gave it.
When the Word remains pure, Christ is sensed.
When it is altered, it is man who is felt.
We are called to spread Christ — but by keeping His Word intact.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me a sincere heart.
Keep me from changing Your Word to please people.
Teach me to speak as from You and to live under Your gaze.
May my life spread the true fragrance of Christ,
and may I be found faithful to Your message.
Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA