How Do You Smell?

The sense of smell has the power to elicit powerful memories and emotions. I can still remember the scent of my grandparents’ home some fifty years after their deaths. I remember the food, the conversation, and the laughter. Most of all I remember the feeling of family, love, and belonging. But what made up that scent? It was their lives. What they cooked, their clothes, every part of their lives combined to contribute to that smell. It was not forced or manufactured. It was natural, organic. It was life. That is what I think of when I read this portion of Scripture. I’m also reminded of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume and how the fragrance must have lingered on her as a testimony of her love and devotion to Jesus.

In the same way, as we spend time with Jesus, we will ‘smell’ like Him. It’s the natural result of being near the one we love. As we walk through our lives, people will sense Jesus on us. I believe that that is what Paul refers to when he speaks of making a defense of the hope within you. People will sense the knowledge or presence of God without us saying a word. Then, when they ask, we can share the gospel.

Do you want to see people come to a true knowledge of God? I’m sure you do. We can study to answer difficult questions, or memorize scripture, which is helpful, but it’s the fragrance that will cause people to ask. Like the smell of a place that gladdens your heart with fond memories, or the aroma of a favorite meal, it makes the gospel more attractive.

So, in your desire to see people come to a true knowledge of God, along with your study of Scripture, and forming logical arguments, spend time with Jesus. When all is said and done, it’s when they smell Jesus on you that their hearts will be drawn to Him.