What comes to mind when you ask yourself that question? Do you think about memories of fragrant lilacs like the picture portrays? Or maybe a steaming mug of your favorite latte? Perhaps bread or cookies straight out of the oven? There are tons of aromas that are sweet in our lives.
When this question came to me over the past few days, I knew where it was headed, but truth be told, I thought about this pandemic and how nobody cares if I take a shower every single day. Dogs probably prefer I don’t because, well…they’re dogs! But I digress. Sorry. TMI!
The kind of aroma or fragrance I had to ask myself was this: how do people feel after they have been around me? Nothing shower-related, but what SPIRIT do I give off? Would it be characterized as sweet? Definitely not all the time. Often I’m still struggling with the grief that surrounds my days, even 3+ years later and I know that fragrance is more bitter than sweet.
But I found it to be a great word picture, and a way for me to visualize what my encounters with others might exude. I was immediately reminded of this scripture text from 2 Corinthians 2:15:
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing…
Once I read it, I saw that it didn’t fit my example perfectly, so let me first point out a couple of encouraging words from this text. As believers, our “aroma” isn’t first and foremost to others around us. It’s to God! That’s right, when we embrace our faith and act on it, the sweet aroma of Christ goes first to God. I love that thought!
Secondly, this aroma of Christ is most powerful to those who are seeking the Lord. That speaks volumes about the strength of God’s Spirit working through us when we engage in the lives of those searching for God.
Despite those great thoughts, I still felt that there was an application here, especially for those of us who walk this tough road of grieving, but really applicable to anyone. And I wanted to share my personal challenge with the rest of you.
But first a couple of caveats – I am not saying that we shouldn’t grieve our losses. You all know I’m a big proponent of acknowledging our pain and not denying it or sugar-coating it. And yes, cry those tears! Let God heal you through them. That’s one of the reasons He gave them to us.
Secondly, you may be very early in your grief walk and have no capacity for anything other than your own survival. I remember those days well. I know I wasn’t always a barrel of laughs…nor did I care at that point. Cling to God during these tough days, and seek out friends who are willing to hang in there with you. Not all will.
What I am advocating is that we think about the totality of our interactions with others. How would you characterize them? Maybe more importantly, how would the friends or family members you’re interacting with characterize them? And MOST importantly, how would God see them? Would they be a sweet aroma to Him?
So as we ask God to nurture in us this sweet Spirit, what benefits might be seen?
- You could be ministering to someone without even knowing they were struggling in their day. Your kindness could be just what they needed to keep going.
- You will begin to develop a pattern of biblical optimism that could model for others a way through the hard days.
- For those who know you walk a road of loss, your sweet aroma might just be what causes them to ask the question, “How can you be joyful with all you’ve gone through?” That’s an open door to share how God walks you through this season.
- You give hope to other grievers who may not be as far into the journey as you are. Don’t give up hope. God can and will be their Rock and Strong Tower if they trust their broken hearts to Him.
- You might even find you keep more friends or gain new ones! We all know it’s hard to be around someone who is “eeyoric” every time you see them. (Reference: Winnie the Pooh) Let’s face it, we can all be a bit fickle in these areas, and sometimes it’s just easier to stay away from someone having a pity party. Don’t give people just cause to avoid you.
May God give you and me the desire and the willingness to let Him infuse His sweet Spirit into our lives, so we can in turn bless others.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24
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