“Mom, what’s that lovely perfume you’re wearing?” I exclaimed while greeting my mother-in-law with a hug.
“It’s called White Linen,” she responded. “I like it because it’s crisp and clean and not too heavy.”
The scent stayed with me, but I didn’t mind. Not only did the perfume have a pleasing aroma, but it belonged to one of the sweetest, most generous women I’ve ever known.
The apostle Paul taught that we should leave a pleasant scent wherever we go. But he wasn’t talking about perfume or cologne. He meant that our very lives ought to emit the fragrance of Christ:
“Through us, [God] brings knowledge of Christ.
Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance.
Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God,
which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—
an aroma redolent with life.”
(2 Corinthians 2:14-15, The Message)
I’ve been privileged to enjoy the exquisite fragrance of a number of saints over the years:
- My grandmother, who loved and served Jesus with a passion. She demonstrated kindness and thoughtfulness, and never raised her voice. (At least not that I heard!)
- My parents, who lovingly guided me, and demonstrated what a Christian marriage should be: two people committed to the best interest of the other.
- A youth pastor who showed personal interest in each kid, and whose prayers were so heartfelt, we knew this guy was up-close-and-personal with God.
- A professor and his wife at the seminary Steve attended, who took us under their wings and lovingly mentored us with great wisdom.
- A mother of three who led the first women’s Bible study I attended. She provided strong teaching, but better yet, an example of what it means to be a godly woman of excellence.
- An older couple who listened, supported, and encouraged us as Steve began his pastoral career.
- A younger couple who came alongside us in ministry over thirty years ago and are still caring friends to this day.
- A choir director who taught by example what a calm and gentle spirit (2 Peter 3:4) looks like.
- Countless friends and acquaintances over the years who have loved on us and prayed for us.
Some of these wonderful people have already departed for heaven. Yet their beautiful fragrance lingers in my life to this day—a memorable blend of selflessness, generosity, and grace.
And I wonder, Where would I be without their enduring examples providing strength and guidance?
To be honest, I would surely have ruined my life with poor choices, spurred by emotional immaturity, and spiritual depravity. But God provided all these saints and more, that I might acquire even a faint aroma of Christ.
And now I plead with myself, YOU serve Jesus by being a sweet fragrance for others, redolent with the life of Christ. YOU be the listener, encourager, and grace-giver. YOU provide the example of Christian maturity.
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, Father, I thank you for the countless people you have brought into my life, whose positive impact provided wisdom, direction, and inspiration. Guide me, I pray, to live just as fragrantly, spreading your love, grace, and joy wherever I go.
Whose exquisite aroma lingers in your life? Tell us about him/her in the comments below.
(Photo credit: www.etsy.com.)
From the Inside Out 
I loved this post, Nancy! I think of Sister Bates who left such an impression on me during my teen years. She was a song leader, Girls’ Group leader, and deacon’s wife who set the example for me. Years later, I find myself doing many of the jobs she did and I at least have a glimmer of how it should be done all because of her.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Jerralea. Sister Bates sounds like another wonderful, loving, self-giving woman. Isn’t it wonderful to be led along by the sweet memories of these saints, even years later?
And it’s posts like this that remind me of the sweet aromas I have breathed deep of in my life. It’s posts like this that can spur a barely discernible fragrance into a crisp clean fragrance that lingers with others.
Thanks for this ending. I’ll make it my beginning!
“And now I plead with myself, YOU serve Jesus by being a sweet fragrance for others, redolent with the life of Christ. YOU be the listener, encourager, and grace-giver. YOU provide the example of Christian maturity.”
That is a most worthy prayer! I plead with God to let it be.
Thank you, Arthur, for your encouragement. I’m delighted the post and closing prayer were meaningful to you.
catching up with blogs tonight and have read three of yours in a row – chocolate, chocolate cookies and now exquisite fragrance. I thought the aroma may be chocolate too LOL – not a bad smell at all. I have always loved that Bible verse. Thanks Nancy.
You’re welcome, Jean. You’ve got me thinking: I really should come up with another post about chocolate, to make a little series! 🙂
You are a sweet fragrance in my life, Nancy.
As you are in mine, Nikki. You were so good to me when we were children–sharing your dolls, teaching me how to play Clue, etc. How I cherish those memories of family picnics, Thanksgiving at Aunt Betty’s, and more! Now, your sweet voice on the phone offers familial love, connection and encouragement. Even better will be that visit — someday SOON!
Grace Hess, my teenage SS teacher who was the epitome of grace, and you, Nancy, for your grace and love so beautifully expressed in everything you say and do. I miss you. Love to you and Steve.
Ms. Hess, the epitome of grace, was given the perfect first name, wasn’t she! Thank you so much for your sweet, encouraging comment. Praise God for his grace and love that enables me to spread the same to others. We miss all our friends in Hudson, too. I miss my chats with you after church and at Pasco Writers! Thank you for your love, Ruth. We love you, too!
Exquisite post! I’m all about fragrances; candles on an electric burner, room sprays, etc. My favorites are food-related scents. Thanks to this post…I will forever link my love of scents to praying that I give off the aroma of Christ with my life. Especially to my beloved great-nieces and nephew. In my own life it is my Mom whose selflessness has influenced me the most…even when she goes through trying times.
You ARE passing on that same example of selflessness to your great-nieces and nephew! They see you helping your mom and dad, they remember all the time you’ve spent with them, the support and encouragement you’ve offered, etc. You are the aroma of Christ to me, too, Cheri, as you’ve supported and encouraged my work on this blog! Thank you, sweet friend.
Nancy, thanks so much for the encouraging words!
I’m so behind on my reading, but I just have to comment belatedly. My grandma died when I was only five, but her ‘fragrance’ lingers even now. She loved Jesus with all her heart and the joy she carried made a lasting impression on me. I can’t wait to see her again someday. Lovely post, Nancy!
And thank you, Rebeca, for taking the time to share your story. You’ve reminded me: We need to be vigilant. The things we say and do can be remembered for a very long time.
I’ll look forward to meeting your grandma someday!