II Corinthians 2

“For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you” (v4). Following the “servant-leader” Jesus, Paul admonished, corrected, and encouraged the Corinthians as a loving brother, not as a detached boss or harsh general.  Paul knew that self-righteousness and pride were deadly dangers; he urged humility and forgiveness so “that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs” (v5-11). 

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God,” spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere, as we follow His example of humility and sacrificial love (v14-15).