Smell good? It’s one more dimension of our sweet life with God
By Dean Collins
The writer of Proverbs was on to something that many companies are trying to use now in their interactions with all of us. The power of scent.
Maybe you have noticed that more and more when you enter retail outlets, offices, and other people’s homes, your nostrils are filled with pleasant aromas. All sorts of new products and companies exist to provide desirable smells for our olfactory pleasure. And one reason, as a piece in the Harvard Gazette points out, is that certain smells help us recall memories of childhood. And if the memories are pleasant, we might just end up buying a product or service while we are in such a good mood.
The sweetness of a friend
While scent has become a good marketing tool, that is not what the writer of Proverbs 27:9 had in mind: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
The wise king of Proverbs was addressing the nurture we enjoy when a friend listens and offers sincere and wise counsel. And how many times have we all been blessed by the kindness of a good friend!
Just today as I write this devotional, I immediately thought of my friend and editor Mark Taylor, because we had a few minutes to speak by phone today. In our conversation, we discussed what was going on in our respective lives. We shared humor, sorrow, and difficulties as we enjoyed a long-overdue conversation. Mark and I work on my devotional blog together. I hammer out my thoughts, and he makes me sound better once he adds his wonderful edits to my writing. As we talked, we each brought up other friends, both some we have in common and others we know only individually.
A fragrant offering
As I read this Proverb today, it reminded me how blessed we are that God in his wisdom called us all into community. God knew life is to be lived in fellowship and friendship. When we try to go it alone and struggle through various challenges gritting it out by ourselves, we become discouraged and fatigued.
However, when we embrace God’s plan and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to share our lives with others, we are blessed. Good friends provide not just community but they also bring wise counsel. When Christians share stories, conversations, and encouragement with each other, the body of Christ becomes stronger.
Maybe the apostle Paul had this verse in Proverbs in his mind when he wrote in 2 Corinthians that “we are the aroma of Christ to God…and a fragrance from life to life.”
Go ahead and light a scented candle when guests are coming. Maybe slip something back into the oven to fill the room with a delicious smell. But more important, go ahead and call a friend today and share your encouragement. It will make their heart glad and be a fragrant offering to God.
Father, thank you for placing us in community. Thank you for the many brothers and sisters in Christ who pray for us, listen to us, offer counsel to us, and love us. Prompt us today to do our part in bringing the fresh aroma of encouragement to someone near or far away. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Proverbs 27:9; 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 ESV
Photo by Mediamodifier on Unsplash
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