We have a supremely high calling, an important assignment, as Paul tells us today, to carry the fragrance of Christ to the world. If we don’t feel inadequate to some degree, then we don’t understand the assignment that God has given us. The ability to do that has to come from God Himself. That’s the point Paul tries to make to the Corinthian church today.
An old friendship reassures us that the other person has our best interests at heart. If the upfront commitment to one another is there, then God can use even difficulties to grow us, refine us and mature us. In the end we will be better friends and, with God’s help, better Christians. So stay committed to other Christians. If you do, then difficulties will lead to greater growth.
In this first section of 2 Corinthians, we can learn a lot from Paul. When his life got tough which, as it turns out, for Paul was pretty often, he drew closer to God and other Christians.
Central Reflections 