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2 Corinthians 2 · Grade 5

The Fragrance of Christ

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Read and Think

Paul explains his change of plans. Rather than make another sorrowful visit (2:1), he wrote a letter out of much affliction and anguish of heart, with many tears. His aim was not to grieve them but to let them know the abundant love he had for them. Discipline and tenderness belong together in his ministry.

The offender who had caused grief, had been disciplined by the majority. Paul judges that this was sufficient. The church must now forgive and comfort him, lest he be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Paul urges them to reaffirm their love for him. Church discipline aims at restoration. Unforgiveness would give Satan an advantage, and Paul says believers are not ignorant of his schemes.

Paul then recalls his anxious wait for Titus at Troas before turning to praise. God always leads believers in triumph in Christ and through them spreads the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place (2:14). Through the apostles God spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. To those being saved it is an aroma of life; to those perishing, of death. Who is sufficient for such a task? Paul does not peddle the word of God like a merchant but speaks in Christ with sincerity, in the sight of God.

Show What You Know

  1. What was Paul's aim in writing the letter with many tears?

  2. What does church discipline aim at?

  3. What would unforgiveness give Satan?

  4. What does God spread through believers?

Crossword

53421

Across

  1. But if any has caused ____
  2. For if I make you ____

Down

  1. For to this end I also ____
  2. You should rather ____ him and comfort him
  3. To the other a ____ aroma from life to life

Think About It

  1. Paul says discipline aims at restoration, not rejection. How can a church or family correct someone in a way that leads to restoration?

  2. Paul refused to peddle God's word for profit. What does sincerity in sharing the faith look like today?

Memory Verse

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.”

2 Corinthians 2:14 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for forgiving me. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How can correcting someone be an act of love?
  • What does sincerity in sharing faith look like?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.