But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 2 Cor. 2:14-15 (NLT)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Cor. 4:7 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, these verses summarize how I want to live the rest of my life. May the fragrance of Jesus and the aroma of grace be increasingly released through this fragile jar of clay that I am. I want to smell like your grace wherever I go—wherever you place me.
Therefore—though I’m often resistant, keep me in the place of humility, weakness, and dependence. It’s the best way (the only way) for the perfume of the gospel to be released through our lives. Continue to slay the “approval suck” in me—that part of me that is too easily impacted by what people think of me. Help me to love to your glory, serve with your joy, and hope with your promise—all in response to how you love me.
Indeed, thank you, Father, for the über privilege of being loved by you. Thank you for making me Christ’s captive and a prisoner of hope. Thank you for rescuing me from sin and death, guilt and shame, and from the illusion of self-sufficiency and the myth of self-righteousness.
Father, free me to love well, wherever I am, and with whomever I’m with. As these Scriptures remind me, some will experience your grace as life giving, others will respond to the gospel with disdain and opposition. Help me love one and all alike, and not give up on anybody. You’ve shown me that the gospel can change anyone, anytime, and anywhere. May the gospel be the only offensive thing about me. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.