To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. 2 Corinthians 2:16a
How is it that some things can be pleasant to one person and horrible for another? Paul compared himself to something like this. To those trapped in sin, he was like the smell of death; the words he spoke were unpleasant to their ears. But to those in Christ, his words were quite pleasing, bringing about renewal and life.
What made the difference? The same words were embraced by one and rejected by the other. The fact is: the problem wasn't the speaker or the truths which he spoke, the problem was with the one hearing them. The very words of life spoken to one who is lost are often perceived as death. Rather than bringing joy, the truth brings about mourning and grief.
Lord, my heart is heavy this morning; it is breaking for one whom I love, for one he loves has perceived the truth as a lie. The one he loves hears life-giving words and believes they are filled with death. It isn't the words; it is the one who hears them. He is trapped by anger - by addiction. He has been ensnared by the lies of the enemy.
Holy Spirit, intervene in the heart of this young man. His whole life stands before him. Draw him back to You. Free him from this pit, so he might hear the truth more clearly. His only hope is in You. Give me the words to say to my friend; give me the words to pray for his son. Save him, Father. Let him smell the fragrance of life.