AROMAS

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2

The other day I awoke to the sun streaming in my window, the birds singing, and the fresh smell of a new day after the rain. Don’t you just love the fresh smell in the air after a summer rain? How about the fragrance that comes from the old fashioned (that’s what I call them) roses as they begin to bloom every July? Or freshly made bread baking in the oven?

However, there are aromas that are offensive to us..... garlic breath, body odor, garbage.... to name a few. We are living in a world ... called scent-free ...where we must be aware of the numerous allergies related to scents. Most workplaces and churches are now “scent-free” areas.

This reflection had me thinking of 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 ... But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

I certainly don’t want to be known for my garlic breath or my BO ... I hope and pray I will be known for the aroma of Christ that I give off.

Can you imagine what sin must smell like to the Father? Like garbage does to us! Unconfessed sin will become a putrid odor to Him. Confess, repent, and clothe yourself daily with Him.

What does this all mean? Well, this aroma won’t be detected by the nose but it will be sensed by those who come in contact with us. I believe it means that we are to radiate the love of Christ to those around us – either by our words, our actions, and/or our non-verbal expressions. And when we give this aroma off to the world it is also a pleasing fragrance to our Heavenly Father.

St Francis of Assisi once said: “Preach the gospel at all times; only if necessary use words.”

How about you?
Have you experienced the fragrance of Christ in your life?
Have you seen the love of Christ in action?
Are YOU the fragrance of Christ to those you meet daily?

We were created to spread His aroma to a hurting world. Some will appreciate it, some will not.
Some will be drawn to it, some will reject it.
Their reaction is beyond our control.
We must do as we’re called to do ... live a life of love!

Have a wonderful, fragrant day in Him!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie