Daily Dwelling

In 2 Corinthians 2: 14 & 15, it says “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession, and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. For to God, we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved, and among those who are perishing.

I read this passage and asked myself. Am I a sweet fragrance of Christ to those around me? To my husband, my children, my friends, my co-workers, or even strangers that I meet every day?

The word aroma that is used here in the Greek is the word Osmē, meaning, a savoring smell. Everyone can smell, but no one can see a smell. But what we can see is the source of that smell. So in our daily interactions, when we walk into spaces, do people intake a sweet aroma from us? And do they know that that source of the aroma comes only by the Holy Spirit?

To gain access to this aroma, we must be in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this relationship, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit occurs. But the Holy Spirit can only be poured out from our own surrender and our own obedience. I love the image that we get from the Old Testament where we see frankincense being used often in sacrifices. Frankincense was known for its sweet aroma, but the aroma was actually intensified when heated. When we are “refined in the fire,” we are being sanctified, which means being made holy. At this time, we are pouring out an even sweeter aroma!

One example of a sweet fragrances in the bible is from John 12:3. Mary takes a costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet, a symbol of the utmost admiration and love. 

Mary did not care what others thought of her. She confidently walked her way through the crowded home to anoint his feet. She cared more about showing her love to Jesus than others opinions of her. Is that true for us? 

Another example of a sweet fragrance comes from Philippians 4:14-23. Paul explains how our lives before God emit a unique fragrance. It is the sweet aroma of an acceptable sacrifice.

We may have a relationship with the Lord. But if we continue to let the flesh react in situations or dictate our responses for us, we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to give off a sweet aroma. We are actually getting in the way. 

With obedience, we can swallow our own pride. We choose to speak grace instead of speaking out of frustration. Are we willing to swallow our own pride and forgive when there’s absolutely no worldly reason to forgive that person? When we’re waiting in line at Trader Joe’s on a Saturday morning, do we give off a sweet aroma? Or do we allow our impatience to show through with a scowl on our face? 

Every day we have multiple opportunities to be a sweet aroma to every single person we interact with. Are we surrendering to the Lord’s authority? Are we being obedient when He calls us to act or not to act? This is how we become that sweet aroma. Ask the Lord where he can refine you so that you can pour out a sweet fragrance.