A Pleasing Aroma

By: Mae Archila

Monday, March 9, 2026

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

As I arrived at a women's church event, I was greeted by the host of my table. When she hugged me, she held on to me and said, “You smell so nice.” I thought that was special, but when we said our goodbyes at the end of the night, she hugged and held on to me again! The next thing I knew, she was calling her friend over to hug me and smell me! When her friend did, she said, “She does smell nice.” I was glad the aroma of my perfume was being noticed, and it was pleasing to others.

2 Corinthians 5 says a Christ Follower's life should give off a particular "smell"—the sweet aroma of Christ. It's a fragrance that others should instantly notice. Jesus' death on the cross was brutal, but it was a sweet-smelling aroma that pleased God. When we tell others about Jesus, we are sharing His aroma wherever we go.

...offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

Through His Son, God has shown us unlimited grace and mercy. He has given us a new life, and its purpose is to glorify Christ. The moment we surrendered our life to Him; our sins were forgiven and our connection with our Heavenly Father was restored. After Jesus' sacrifice, our appropriate response is to offer our lives as a sacrifice to Him. Unlike Jesus, our body doesn't need to die, we just need to "die" to our old way of life. Sacrificing ourselves means we are asking Him to use our lives for His glory. Our surrender is a form of worship; and it is holy and pleasing in His sight.

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLT)

Being a "living sacrifice" means God has set us apart for His higher purposes. Because we are following His Son, He sees Christ in us! Then, we will have a sweet aroma that is produced by the Holy Spirit. Our "smell" will reflect God’s love and kindness to a hurting world. Our job is to share the essence of Jesus with everyone; they must choose to receive it.

Make sure you are sharing the sweet aroma of Christ through your thoughts, words, and deeds.