A Sweet Fragrance

When I saw the picture above of the multi-colored flowers on this Bougainvillea tree, I immediately thought of how Paul describes believers in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, NIV.

(15) “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved…(16) an aroma that brings life.”

If you’ve walked past a flowering bush with a sweet fragrance, you know what he’s talking about – the sweet aroma of the flowers makes you want to take a deep breath, enjoying the fragrance. That’s how we are to be to the world. Some may like and receive our fragrance; others may find it offensive. Regardless, you and I are the sweet fragrance of Christ to the world.

Look at the beauty of the flowering tree. It not only pleases our eyes, our senses, but brings joy to those viewing it. It’s a picture of God’s creativity for man to enjoy. It’s a sweet aroma of God’s love, grace, mercy, and hope.

Let Christ in us be that fragrance to people we meet so they’ll be encouraged and strengthened and realize how much God loves them. Verse 14 clarifies further – “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

You are the pleasing aroma of hope and God’s salvation and love to those you meet. Let His beauty shine through you to others.