As I woke up during a retreat, I was greeted by a pleasant fragrance wafting around the room. It was March, and the orange tree outside was in full bloom. Though I hadn’t noticed the tree as we arrived the night before, its sweet scent inspired me to get dressed and go outside to take a look. As expected, the mature tree was covered in white blossoms, and its aroma was strong enough to reach our second-story windows, which we had left open overnight. Standing close to the tree, I breathed deeply, savoring the lovely fragrance. I returned to the blooming citrus tree throughout the weekend, taking moments between workshops to enjoy its sweet aroma.
A Pleasing Fragrance to God.
When we show kindness, tenderness, forgiveness, or generosity towards others by giving our time or resources, our sacrifice is like a pleasing fragrance to God.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God in Christ forgave you.
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Ephesians 4:32 & Ephesians 5:1&2
According to this verse, we should strive to be tenderhearted and walk in love to emit a sweet aroma that God will find pleasing.
God implores us to be like Him because Christ walked in love and gave himself for us. From the very beginning, God was the creator and giver of life. The man was just dust until God breathed life into his nostrils.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground,
and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;
and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
When we spend extended time with God, we come right in so close to His breath, and He gives life, abundant life. This assurance arises from proximity with Him even more than claiming a promise we choose to extract from the Bible.
A Season to Blossom
Many Christ followers are moving into a working season. Your self-sacrifice will be a sweet aroma to the Lord and then grow in subsequent months to abound in fruit. So much fruit.
And just as orange blossoms have a season, so do you. The sacrifice is switching from self-serving activities to attract the honey bee to cross-pollinate. So this sacrifice not only draws God but attracts others as well. People move around and cross-pollinate.
Remember, this sacrifice is like sweet orange blossoms God looks forward to smelling. And when He does get a whiff, he enjoys the sweet smell you’re creating and will come closer to linger and take delight.
Are you in a Blooming Season?
Are you in a blooming season? Is God beginning the growing stages of new blooms to become new fruit? I, too, am in such a season. You may have questions and even some doubts. Choose to kick the doubts aside and love, be kind and have a tender heart for those you serve.
If you need prayer, please use the prayer form. I always personally pray for those who reach out to me. It is my honor and privilege to pray for you, who are encouraged by my writings.
Other articles you’ll enjoy:
Never too late to Volunteer
Choose Forgiveness
The Blessing of Work
Will I love my “Neighbor”?
Interesting timing! Just yesterday I was driving in downtown Boise. As I made a left turn, I failed to see the woman in the crosswalk in front of me. As I stopped, she and I made eye contact and I made my most contrite face as I mouthed my apology. She continued to glare at me, so I rolled down my window and apologized to her verbally. She was SO NASTY and unforgiving I can still smell her stench. I never want to smell like that to God ever!
Wow, that is quite the opposite of sweet-smelling. Interestingly, our reactions to a reaction can also be a fragrance. BTW, so glad you missed her. I’m sure she is too.
We once lived in a house with an orange tree in the backyard. You’re right–the scent is heavenly! To think that I might offer such a pleasing fragrance to God by walking in love throughout the day! Lord, help me remember this image and the means by which I can bring you joy: choosing to do the loving thing. Not always easy but always fulfilling. Thank you, Kim!
Yes, isn’t that smell amazing. And we can please our Heavenly Father with such a beautiful smell. He made everything and is so pleased by our love and service to others. It’s just an amazing truth. Thank you for your kind words Nancy.
Very well written. I enjoyed reading this.
I’m glad you enjoyed this post and encouraged me in that it is well written. Many blessings to you.
This is a very beautiful and inspiring post!
Dear Ambassador of God, Are you safe? We have been prayerfully waiting for your email.