Sweet Aromas by Marilyn Nutter

As I entered Mary’s house, the aroma filled my senses.

“Hmm, I can’t figure out if you’re baking a cake or burning candles.” I said smiling. I took in another breath and silently hoped it was the cake. After all, Mary had invited me to share a cup of tea with her that morning and she usually served muffins or coffeecake.

“Neither,” Mary said with a smile. “I just poured some new potpourri into a container.

“It smells wonderful and makes your home smell fresh and inviting,” I said.

In scripture, Paul speaks of aroma when he tells us,

“But thanks be to God who always leads us into triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV

Paul reminds us that wherever we go, we can spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. When we know Christ, we know love, truth and power for living. He wants us to spread that fresh fragrance to our sphere of influence.

As Mary and I talked over tea (and muffins she’d baked the day before), we reminded each other of the power of fragrance.

• We were thankful for a friendship that included the fragrance of encouragement when we were going through a tough time.
• We reminisced and shared times when Christ met our needs and we could spread the effects of that fragrance to others.
• We talked about the fragrant joy of our friendship in Christ and its influence on our families.

On any given day you may be baking, filling jars with potpourri or burning scented candles. All of those enhance a home, but how can you enhance your surroundings by spreading the fragrance of Christ?

• Can you offer encouragement to someone who is discouraged?
• Can you display His joy in the midst of your own less than desirable circumstances?
• Can you share the truth of the Gospel?

When we wear Christ’s fragrance it can be soothing or invigorating to those around us, exactly what someone else needs for the moment. His fragrance is fresh and inviting and puts life in perspective.

Read about Marilyn Nutter, her books and her ministry on our WOW Lead Writers page.
Would you like to submit a devotion to WOW? Read How to Write Inspiring Christian Devotions for tips on getting published.