A couple of years ago, we began diffusing essential oils as a pure and natural way to fill our home with sweet fragrance and healing aromas. Diffusing eucalyptus and lavender oils has brought rest and relief to my family on those nights when colds and coughs keep sleep away. Recently, a friend walked into my home and immediately recognized the scent emitting from my diffuser. She stood there for a moment taking in the comforting aroma before leaving again, commenting how it was her favorite scent. Not everyone likes the smell of essential oils, though, and prefer artificial scents that appear to let off sweeter aromas.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 2, the apostle Paul gives us an encouraging challenge to be God’s personal diffusers â€"spreading the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of God. To those that know Jesus, that aroma will indeed be sweet; the pureness of His scent will be immediately recognized. Nevertheless, there will be those who criticize and turn away from it, seeking artificial scents that might appear to be more appealing. However, to others, you may be the fragrance that leads them to Christ.

As Christians, we are called to take the aroma of Christ wherever we go. We are called to fill our world with the sweet-smelling fragrance of the love of Jesus. When we are helpful, kind, forgiving, lovingâ€"in other words, when we live the way God wants us toâ€"we become diffusers of the love of God to all who come around us!

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you have the Words of Life that everyone needs to hear and know. Allow me to be used by you as a vessel to diffuse the sweet smell of your love everywhere I go. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.

1.    2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.