The Fragrance of Jesus…

For we are the aroma of Christ…among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life…  (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Sometimes when I hug someone, I come away smelling like them.  I have a very sensitive nose and can often detect for hours afterward the odor of the perfume they were wearing.  It’s faint, but distinctive. 

I want to be so close to Jesus, abiding in his presence, remaining attached to him as a branch to the Vine (John 15:4-11) that I come away bearing the likeness, the “fragrance” of his loveliness and goodness. 

What does Jesus “smell” like?  Like kindness and mercy.  Like peace and joy.  Like forbearance for those who are irritating.  Like encouragement to go on with hope.  Like truth communicated boldly but with gentleness.  Above all, like love.

In the book of Acts after the Holy Spirit filled the Apostles at Pentecost, people around them recognized them as “ones who had been with Jesus”, walking with him, listening to his voice, and sharing intimate fellowship with him.  The Holy Spirit who had animated Jesus himself as he walked on this earth as he healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, preached repentance and forgiveness, and pointed to himself as the Bread of Heaven and the Way to eternal life – that same Spirit now also dwelt within them. 

They too had become the fragrance of Christ: to those who heeded the Gospel message, a source of great joy and the fragrance of life; to those who turned away in rebellion, the odious stench of death and thus a target of hatred and malice.  Things aren’t so different in our day and age; Jesus himself predicted this (Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:17, John 15:18-19) and it has always been the lot of the Church. 

Am I myself clinging so closely to Jesus, abiding with him each moment, that I come away with his fragrance on me like divine perfume?  The closer I am to him, the more likely I am to “smell” like him to those around me, radiating his presence within me outward by my words and actions.  Will I choose like the disciples after Pentecost to boldly declare myself  a follower and friend of Jesus Christ?  Am I willing to smell strongly of his divine fragrance so that it rubs off on those around me, especially those closest to me? 

Lord, help me in my weakness!  I want to carry your loveliness and sweet fragrance of life out into a world which reeks of death and decay, for many are waiting for a whiff of hope and new life.