“God… through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
The smell of Christmas turkey roasting permeated every corner of the house. Walking in from outside, the fragrance was welcoming. The smell alone created an appetite and an expectation.
Did you know that you permeate the circle you live in with a fragrance? Oh, it’s not your perfume or your aftershave. No, the Bible tells us that through us, God spreads the fragrance of Christ. Isn’t that a cool picture? God permeates the area around you and around me with a fragrance that comes from living our lives knowing Jesus. Think about that right where you sit right now. Is Jesus’ love and peace emanating from you to create an appetite, in those around you, for Him?
As you go through your day you take the fragrance of Christ with you into your circle.
The celebration of the birth of Jesus is sometimes pushed to the background amid the busyness of December. Yet you bring the fragrance of Him with you as you interact with those around you. You can bring acceptance and love, gentleness and kindness. You can bring an unselfish spirit and an embracing warmth. You can bring a calm even in the midst of chaos. You can bring the very things His birth brought to you!
Somewhere in your circle there may be people who find this season difficult and extra stressful. Watch for them. Be ready to give away some of the love Jesus gave you. Create a hunger for Him in those around you by sharing the fragrance of Jesus through kindness and peace.
Simply ask for God’s Holy Spirit to fill you today with power from Him so you can share that fragrance of His loving care in ways that are uniquely you.
Father God,?I want to say a special “Thank You” today for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that knowing Jesus changes me! Help me today to have a heart full of the abundance of all Jesus is: love and gentleness, peace, acceptance, and caring. May I be filled today with these things, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the fragrance of Christ will permeate wherever I am today! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
TAKE ACTION
Think of yourself as the fragrance of Christ, permeating the area around you with His love and kindness and peace. Don’t try to do it in your own strength. The challenges of the day will use up your own resources. So pause right now and ask.