The Aroma of Christ: What Does It Mean to Carry the Fragrance of Jesus?

The Bible's Language of Fragrance

As explored in our article, "7 Unusual Scents in the Bible", fragrance appears throughout Scripture in powerful, unique ways. Incense represented prayer, whilst fragranced oils would be used to represent anointing and being set apart. Moreover, to sacrific was described as a 'pleasing aroma' to God and if were honest, unlike today, fragrance was never truly just about the smell rather scent represented devotion, worship, surrender and relationship with the Lord.

Then, we encounter Paul who uses this beautiful imagery:

"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and those who are perishing."
(2 Corinthians 2:15)

Intriguing statement even if I do say so myself right?

We are called the aroma of Christ... lets explore shall we!

Am I supposed to smell this way?

So what it all about? Well, Paul is describing something that cannot be hidden.. have you ever walked into a house that someone is baking in? when that fresh pastry smell fills the air, people notice, everyone becomes expectant, joy floods those dopamine receptors, something good is coming! (can you tell that as I'm writing I'm waiting for my mum's alfajores to come out of the oven?)

See, people may not see or understand where the scent they smell comes from, but they experience its effects. In the same way, a life transformed by Jesus should leave an impression...not at all because we are trying to appear perfect or because we are performing Christianity, but because we have spent time close to Christ.

Just as clothing absorbs the scent of what surrounds it, the freshly baked treats or dewy petals from a cherry blossom tree we walk through, our lives begin to reflect what we continually dwell upon.

Becoming Fragrant Through Abiding

Jesus said:

"Remain in Me, as I also remain in you."
(John 15:4)

Fruit does not come from a branch trying harder to grow, fruit comes from remaining connected to the vine and the same is true spiritually. A fragrant life is not produced by striving, it comes from intimacy with God. This happens when we spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship and through it all in obedience, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us.

A Fragrance That Blesses Others

Have you noticed how beautiful fragrances don't keep themselves contained? instead they spread. In the same way, God's love that is within us is not meant to stop with us. Kindness can become fragrance in the same way forgiveness and patience can. Even the hope that we carry can become fragrance.

The world should encounter something different when it encounters people who belong to Jesus.

The Fragrance of Sacrifice

But theres more! In Scripture, pleasing aromas were often connected with sacrifice. Jesus Himself gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice.

Ephesians 5:2 says
Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The greatest fragrance was not created in comfort, it originated through love poured out and this changes the way we should view our own lives. Following Jesus is not about creating an impressive image, rather it is about becoming more like Him.
So, the question we should ask ourselves is not, Do people know I am a Christian? The question is, do people encounter the fragrance of Christ through my life? Let's make our words, actions and choices carry the unmistakable scent of the One we follow!

A Moment of Reflection

What kind of atmosphere do I create around others?

Do my daily habits draw me closer to Christ?

What would it look like for my life to become a greater reflection of Jesus?

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