Daily Devotion

“If there be belief, the action which is the natural outcome — the necessary corollary — of that belief must follow. The theology and reasoning of the Epistle of James appeals in its entirety to the believing Chinese. … They make their inferences from the life. … Those whose lives are based on their faith are believers. Conduct is evidence. Those whose faith begins and ends in a form of words are not believers.”

John Ross · Mission Methods in Manchuria (1903), ch. “Catechumens,” pp. 81–82

Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 Thanks be to God, who continually leads us in triumph in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. For we have the pleasing aroma of Christ in his sight, both to those who are being saved and to those who are perishing.

Reflection

If faith remains merely a theological understanding in the mind, it easily degenerates into cold theory; only a life renewed by truth can live out Christ's love in the small details of daily life. As Paul said, we are "the fragrance of Christ." This fragrance is not a deliberately feigned outward appearance, but rather the natural aroma emanating from the depths of our lives, imbued with the Lord's love. In my daily life and work, are my words, actions, and interactions with others displaying the fragrance of Christ, or are they radiating worldly temperament? May the Lord help us so that every day of our lives becomes a true reflection of the Gospel.