The Aroma of Christ

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?” 2  Corinthians 2:15-16

I made ketchup today. I enjoy making it for several reasons. It reminds me of my mom.  When I was growing up she always made her own ketchup. I liked it better than store-bought.  I think it’s the best for bean soup and for making barbecue sauce. Making ketchup fills the house with a spicy, sweet aroma! It simmered on my stove most of the day and I can still smell it now at 9:30 PM.

The Bible says that we (Christ followers) are “to God the aroma of Christ.” If we are the aroma of Christ, then we must have Christ-like characteristics. Think fruit of the Spirit. When we have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control growing in our lives we have the sweet aroma of Christ.

If I had not added the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves to the tomatoes the aroma would not have been so enjoyable.  Smelling stewed tomatoes isn’t very exciting.  So, I was thinking about my life and realized that sometimes the fruit of the Spirit isn’t growing so well in my life. I’m just simmering along like stewed tomatoes without the spices!  How’s your aroma?

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2)