Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14–17
Paul says we are to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Christ everywhere. We are His aroma.
Since this was Women’s Weekend, Pastor Tabitha reminded us to ask ourselves: “What are you wearing?” Because truth is—Christ smells good on you.
She painted a picture of being a little girl sitting at her mother’s vanity, playing with her perfume, makeup, and lipstick. Her mama taught her daughters how to look nice and smell good, but more importantly—she taught them the value of having a real relationship with God. Because the best fragrance is not what’s in a bottle, it’s what comes from the spirit.
Smelling good in the spirit looks like:
- Giving in a Christlike way
- Loving in a Christlike way
- Encouraging in a Christlike way
- Even handling your finances in a Christlike way
And here’s the thing—people can tell if you carry the fragrance of Christ. You can’t fake that smell.
Paul understood this well. While facing hardship, he described how believers spread the fragrance of the gospel. He compared it to incense—when a victory parade passed through the streets, the aroma filled the air. For those on the winning side, the smell was sweet. But for those facing defeat, that same aroma meant death.
In the same way, to God, we are the pleasing aroma of Christ. Our fragrance should make Him smile. Jesus ought to be so strong on the inside of us that no matter where we go, or what we’re doing, people can feel His love flowing out of us.
Paul marveled that God would even choose us to carry this fragrance. And Pastor Tabitha got real about her own journey—how when God first called her, she thought He must’ve dialed the wrong number. She grew up in church, but still cut up. She became a mom at 21, unmarried, and often felt unworthy. She thought she had to look or act a certain way to qualify. But God said, “I called you just as you are.”
The moment we stop being our authentic selves is when our walk turns into a performance. God isn’t asking us to put on a show. He’s asking us to be who He created us to be.
Every day, examine yourself. Keep growing, keep serving, keep loving, keep forgiving. Because when Christ is on you—He smells like joy, peace, provision, and grace.
And remember: if it doesn’t smell like Jesus, don’t put it on.
