For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, NIV)
Our offering to God is to be the perfume of Christ that goes out to those who are being saved and to those who are being lost. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, ERV)
In a turbulent world where people are either dying or being rescued, we are the sweet smell of the Anointed to God our Father. – (2 Corinthians 2:15, VOICE)
Our strongest memories are typically those that are multisensory. When I smell the scents of a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal being prepared, I am taken back to childhood and my grandparents home. The house was full of family, and Grandma, Mom, and my aunts were all busily preparing and organizing dishes. Often, my cousins and I would get to join in to help, as we donned one of Gram’s aprons, and love and laughter filled the air. For those of us who know, love, and follow Christ, we have the opportunity to become a sweet scent to God as we love and care for those around us well. In the same way that the scents in creation remind us of who God is and how He loves, we can demonstrate our love of God through the way that we love those around us. May we be as fragrant as spring flowers in bloom, the salty air by the sea, and the fresh pine in the forest to God as we love and honor Him by loving those around us well.
The sweetest of scents,
remind us of things;
imprints on the heart,
that of His love sing.
Tangible His love,
experienced by grace;
His heart He pours out,
throughout all our days.
May we do the same,
as we seek to love;
by grace let us give,
like the Lord above.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You created us with multiple senses to experience the fullness of Your love. Thank You that as we love as You love us, we are a sweet aroma unto You. Forgive us for the times that our attitudes, words or actions have stunk. Teach us to trust You more, so that we may be a clear reflection of Your loving kindness and grace. Show us how to love others so that what we say and do is a pleasing aroma unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us in Your love so that we may be a pleasing aroma unto You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14