.....aroma

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

After eight years of marriage, a husband and wife decided to make some changes in their lives. He went on a strict diet and she took a job in a small diner. After her first day at the diner, the wife returned home from work and gave her husband a big hug. He seemed to cling to her longer than usual. "Did you miss me that much today, dear?" she asked. "No," came the reply, "but you smell so much like pancakes that I hate to let you go!"

This humorous story reminds us just how powerful an aroma can be. 

Scents can evoke memories, stir emotions, and even make us long for something we crave.

We’re also reminded that what we spend time around has a way of sticking to us. Whether it’s the scent of a restaurant, the attitude of the people we surround ourselves with, or the things we dwell on in our minds, we tend to absorb what’s in our environment.

The Bible tells us that, as believers, we are meant to be the “pleasing aroma of Christ.” That means that our lives should give off the fragrance of God’s love, grace, and kindness. The way we do that is by spending time in the presence of Christ. As we spend more and more time with Jesus, his "scent" starts to cling to us.

And just as the smell of pancakes made that husband want to hold on a little longer, our Christlike love should make people want to linger in God’s presence. Jesus didn’t repel people — he attracted them. Sinners, outcasts, and the brokenhearted all wanted to be near him because he carried something they desperately needed. As his followers, we are called to do the same. When we reflect his love, kindness, and truth, we create an environment where people feel drawn to God.

Make an effort today to spend more time with Jesus so that his aroma clings to you and draws others closer to God.

- nyaguthi gathoni

Lord, help my life to be a pleasing fragrance to you and to those around me. Help me to spend time with you so that your love, kindness, and truth naturally flow from my life. May my words and my actions draw others closer to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.