A Sweet Fragrance

Forgive me if I'm introspective this morning. I tend to get that way when I don't get a good night's sleep.

This morning I was reading 2 Corinthians 2. Verse 15 mentions us being a sweet fragrance of Christ.  But what is a sweet fragrance?

The dictionary defines fragrance as the act of being fragrant - that's not particularly helpful. How about fragrant? It means having a pleasant scent or aroma; sweet-smelling; or delightful; pleasant.

It seems to me that you can't be a fragrance of Christ, if you aren't "sweet" smelling.

  

So, again, what is a sweet fragrance or more specifically, what would God consider a sweet fragrance? 

• our obedience
• our love
• our praise
• our service

These are just the first ones that come to mind. I could give Bible verses to back them up, but you all know each one is true.

Back to 2 Corinthians.  Our sweet fragrance of Christ is actually to be for those around us. How can we be a sweet fragrance to them? As I sit and consider this, I think it changes for each person. Some like gifts, others prefer service, and still others want/need something different, but all want and need our love. And not just our human efforts, but the love only God can show them through us.

But to be honest when I read this verse my first thoughts weren't on how beautiful smelling the "church" is. My first thought was that God must be holding his nose. We stink. How often do we go about our way without showing love to our fellow man/woman? How often do we grumble and complain? How often do we sin against someone and never ask his or her forgiveness? How often do we cause pain in the name of God?

Do you notice that I didn't write YOU in those sentences, but WE. I am just as guilty as the next person.

To be a sweet fragrance - God help me.

What other ways do you think we can be a sweet fragrance to God and to those around us?