What is That Smell?

…through us [God] diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

2 Corinthians 2:14

“What is that smell?” my husband asked as we entered the resort where we were vacationing. “Whatever it is, I want it!” he exclaimed.

What is it about a pleasing aroma that stops us in our tracks and makes us look for its source? In 2 Corinthians 2:14, the Bible says that God diffuses his knowledge through us. Just think about it! When we walk into a room, the beautiful fragrance of Christ permeates the atmosphere. People may not know what exactly they perceive, but they do know that something has changed.

How could they not? Jesus was always changing the circumstances as He walked the earth. Crowds were drawn to Him wherever He went, evoking the response, Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54). Through Him the hungry were satisfied, the sick were healed, and the oppressed were freed.

God entrusts us with sharing Jesus. We are…Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us (2 Corinthians 5:20). He still draws people to Himself through us. The power of the Holy Spirit emanates to those around us. Our mere presence is a witness for Christ. Others may be attracted to Christ by the words we say, the things we do, or just because we showed up. 

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15).

The fragrance of Christ is repulsive to those who are perishing. Jesus had those who wanted to push Him away, belittle Him, and even kill Him as He spoke the truth to them. We may also encounter resistance as the knowledge of Jesus wafts through the air.  We are not responsible for the results, but we are responsible to share what we have.

Next time you get a whiff of something scrumptious, remember that you are radiating the glorious aroma of Christ into the atmosphere around you. Ladies, that is the best perfume!

Terri