“Be imitators of God … and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
Think of how certain smells vividly bring to mind memories from the past. Just a faint whiff of something can bring you back to your childhood or to your grandma’s kitchen, to your first job or to a vacation long ago. Our sense of smell is amazing. And since God created us with it and created us in His image, it seems that He savors aromas and smells, too.
The animal sacrifices in the Old Testament sent a pleasing aroma to the Lord (see Genesis 8:20-21 or Exodus 29:18, for example). Paul, in the New Testament, says that gifts of money are a fragrant offering, pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18). Our key verse describes Jesus as a fragrant offering. And in 2 Corinthians 2:15, we read that we are to God the aroma of Christ.
When we live a life of love—giving up our own time, our own rights, our own ambitions—and put others before ourselves, we are a fragrant aroma to God. The good things in our lives are that hint of a smell reminding God pleasantly of His own perfect Son who came and lived a perfect life for us.
The animal sacrifices in the Old Testament sent a pleasing aroma to the Lord (see Genesis 8:20-21 or Exodus 29:18, for example). Paul, in the New Testament, says that gifts of money are a fragrant offering, pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18). Our key verse describes Jesus as a fragrant offering. And in 2 Corinthians 2:15, we read that we are to God the aroma of Christ.
When we live a life of love—giving up our own time, our own rights, our own ambitions—and put others before ourselves, we are a fragrant aroma to God. The good things in our lives are that hint of a smell reminding God pleasantly of His own perfect Son who came and lived a perfect life for us.
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Insight
You’ll be the aroma of Christ as you offer your time, money, and kindness in service to others. It would be wonderful to “smell” like that!
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 33-34
- Psalm 17
- Matthew 25
