But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Have you ever been with someone who is wearing perfume and you can still smell the fragrance of that perfume after the person has left the room? That is what we are to be with others in our spreading of the Gospel: a sweet perfume that lingers. Just as perfume can fill the atmosphere of a space, so our words about Christ can permeate the air with the aroma of grace and forgiveness and love.
I think of Mary of Bethany, who anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive ointment and wiped his feet with her hair. “The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume,” we read in Scripture (John 12:3). All those who were gathered in that room were reminded of the act of worship and the preparation for burial that Mary had performed.
What we declare about Jesus and how we worship him can have a lasting impact on those around us, even if we don’t think so at the time. Our words matter and our faith in Jesus has a lingering effect. People remember what Jesus means to us and so many breathe in the scent of Christ’s constant presence in their own lives.
The next time you are witnessing about your faith, think of your words wafting into the air and landing on the people around you. Let the Holy Spirit breathe into you what you are to say and breathe out the blessings of God.
