Speaking With Sincerity

Have you ever been in a situation where you know that you are surrounded by those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ? Have you ever had to share the gospel but was unsure if it fell on deaf ears? Or have you ever been able to encourage a believer but also noticed a chill from those who are not saved? Sharing the gospel can cause a multitude of reactions depending on the audience, an issue that Paul saw throughout his time ministering. When reading Paul’s letters, we can see the vast difference in responses. Paul encouraged, corrected, and guided a vast number of believers; however, he also was imprisoned, stoned, and beaten. So what should we keep in mind when we share the gospel? Paul provides us an answer.

“14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance 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. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”

2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Verse fourteen points out a very important aspect for a Christian. When we are following God’s will and allowing Him to lead us, He will always lead us triumphantly. Through our actions, we show those around us God’s love and so the knowledge of Him will spread. Verse fourteen always reminds me of Isaiah 55:11, “11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.” When we share God’s word, we may not see the end result but we need to remember that the word will not be shared meaninglessly. It will accomplish what God desires for it.

Next Paul states that we are a fragrance among people. During this time, the Roman’s would often light incense to celebrate a victory. For the Roman’s it was a sweet smell but for those who were captured, the smell meant doom. This is how Paul is describing those of us who are born-again believers. Around other believers we are a sweet smell because we remind them of God and His love. For those who have not placed their faith in Christ, or worse yet those who have outright denied Him, we are a reminder of what they do not have.

Finally, Paul offers a reminder to those who are preaching the word of God. And that is to reflect on their purpose for sharing it. We are not to be like those who share the gospel for their own benefit and therefore cheapen it. I am sure we can all think of someone who speaks eloquently but when you reflect on what they are actually saying, you realize that the gospel they are sharing is not based on faith in Jesus Christ alone. Instead Paul says that we need to be like the few who speak with sincerity wishing to guide others to Christ.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex