It had been a long journey. Getting off the train, Alan felt tired and gross. So it felt good to arrive at his friend’s flat to have something to eat. It was a warm welcome; and he quickly felt at home there.

Later, wondering why he had felt so comfortable in a new place, Alan found an answer in 2 Corinthians. There, Paul describes people who follow God as having the “pleasing aroma of Christ” (V.15). That’s exactly it! Alan said to himself. His hosts had ‘smelled’ like Jesus.

When Paul says that God leads His people in Christ’s “triumphal procession” (V.14), spreading the ‘smell’ of His truth, he’s talking about a practice they had in the ancient world. After winning battles, victorious armies would burn incense as they walked through the streets. For their supporters, the smell brought joy—they had won!

In the same way, Paul says the people of God also carry a pleasing ‘smell’ to other Christians. It’s like we see Jesus in each other. It happened a few years ago, but Alan has never forgotten the way he recognised Jesus in his friends. He’s still telling the story of the people who smelled like Jesus.

By: Amy Peterson

To Pray About . . .

Heavenly Father, thank You for the people who 'smell' like Jesus in my life. Teach me to be someone who carries a pleasing aroma of Yours, too.