Fragrance of Christ

I recently took a walk through one of my favorite gardens, a beautiful place I call “The Secret Garden.” Tucked away and known by very few, this garden has a peaceful, untouched beauty that always brings joy to my heart. I love spending time there - wandering along its paths, exploring every corner, and taking in the beauty it offers. Every so often, a sweet fragrance floats through the air, inviting me to follow it and uncover its source.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 that as believers, God uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere like a sweet perfume - a fragrance that can draw others to follow it and discover its source – Jesus Christ Himself. We are set apart by this fragrance, marked by Him wherever we go. We are set apart with the fragrance of Christ.

This sweet fragrance we carry is life-giving to those who follow and believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What a precious honor it is to carry the fragrance of Christ and reflect Him to the world. What a responsibility.

Ephesians 5:1-2

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

We can, however, taint the fragrance of Christ in our lives when we sin, causing it to become overshadowed—less pleasing and less reflective of Him. Anything in our attitudes, words, or actions that does not reflect the character of Christ can diminish the fragrance He desires our lives to carry. So how do we keep His sweet fragrance pure in our lives? By walking in step with His Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23

“The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

1. Remember who we are in Jesus and that God desires to use us to share Him with others. 2. Know Jesus so intimately through His Word that we can imitate Him, walking in His love and turning away from sin.

Know Him – Love Him – Remember Him – Imitate Him

May our lives leave behind a fragrance that draws others into the peace and presence of Jesus.

Prayer Points ~

• Lord, thank You for redeeming me, calling me Your child, and setting me apart to carry the fragrance of Jesus wherever I go.

• Father, let my words, attitudes, and actions reflect the character and love of Christ in every situation.

• Lord, search my heart and remove anything that taints the fragrance of Christ in my life.

Lord, Thank You for the gift of Your presence and for the beautiful fragrance of Christ that You desire our lives to carry. Thank You for loving us, redeeming us, and setting us apart as Your children. Lord, help us to reflect Jesus in all we do. May our words, attitudes, and actions point others toward You. When sin, pride, fear, or distractions begin to overshadow the fragrance of Christ within us, gently draw us back into Your presence and purify our hearts. Fill us daily with Your Holy Spirit. Produce in us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Teach us to know You more deeply through Your Word so that we may imitate Jesus and walk in His love. May our lives leave behind a sweet fragrance that draws others closer to Your peace, grace, and truth. Use us to shine Your light in a world that desperately needs You. Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us, and may everything we do bring honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kelcey Hartley

Flourish Women's Ministry

Mid-Way Baptist Church