A Special Aroma

Growing up, did you have that favorite food item that mom or grandma baked? Regardless of where you were – in another room, the yard, the neighbor’s house, or another state altogether – the aroma tantalized all of your senses and you were giddy with anticipation of eating that special meal.

As an adult, that aroma still triggers something inside of you – because an aroma is so much more than a scent. It evokes emotion, beautiful memories, and, if you really think about it – love. 2 Corinthians 2:15 says,

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

What is this aroma of Christ? Love. You cannot be in relationship with Him without being completely consumed with this overwhelming fragrance. We are called to not simply sprinkle it on lightly, but to completely submerge ourselves in the aroma of love, so that others cannot help but catch the scent of Jesus and come running.

Jesus said, “You will know my followers by their love.” In other words, true devotion to Christ means your scent and your total identity are rooted in love. And this love is most loudly spoken without words.

A Romanian prison guard who found both his fulfillment and frustration in torturing Christians once said, 

"If we cut off their tongues and forbid the Christians speech, they love with their hands, with their feet, and with their eyes, they love always and everywhere until their last respiration. Does anybody know how to take out the power of love from these stupid Christians?"

When we are truly devoted to Christ, His love will naturally overflow from every part of our life. Do the people you encounter see, hear, and feel the love of Christ? Live a life of love and be the aroma of Christ.