Intentionally Fragrant

As we come into another week, it is a good time to take a pause and look back over your year so far. Where were you intentionally fragrant for Jesus? 2 Corinthians 2:15 reminds us that we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. Ephesians 5:1 then instructs us to follow God’s example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the ways of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering sacrifice to God. So, as you start your day, how fragrant are you right now? Are you walking your days with thanksgiving? Are you reflecting the light of Christ who reside within you? How do we be fragrant to others? How do we demonstrate this loving as Christ loved us? Is it as simple as being a blessing to others? 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us to encourage one another and build each other up. When we spend time speaking well of one another and encouraging those around us, we can be more intentional about being there when they need someone to talk to, listen to, and just be with through the storms and trials in life. Being fragrant takes an awareness of the presence of God in our lives. It takes us choosing to take the time to sit in His presence and just be, learning to be more life Christ in who we are and who we are becoming. How much time have you spent lately just sitting in His presence? Practicing the presence is an invitation to see and experience every moment as a gift from God. What better way to be a blessing than to be shining His presence to those who cross our paths. Ephesians 5:8 further instructs us that we are to live as children of the Light- for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. Let’s live as children of the light of Christ, fragrant in blessing others each day. Let’s us be fragrant in all we do. Let’s not let the weight of the world dampen our fragrance. Our lives may not be all roses and they be far from perfect. They may not all be constantly joyful and full of happily ever after’s. This doesn’t mean that we cannot be fragrantly effective. Let’s walk our days in the ways of love, being fragrant offerings of blessing as we go about our days.

For Discussion

What does being intently fragrant mean to you?

Does it make a difference to how we bless others if we spend time in the presence of God regularly?

How do we live in the ways of love as we are instructed to in Ephesians 5:1. What does that look like?

Who would you consider to be the best examples in the bible of being intentionally fragrant?

Further Reading

Psalm 19:14 Ephesians 5:1 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 2 Corinthians 2:15