A Day-by-day devotional

April 21, 2023

Cherry blossoms

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 27-31

Scripture of the Day: 2 Corinthians 2:14–7

In Japan, springtime becomes not only quite beautiful but also rather fragrant. It is that special season when cherry blossoms, also known as sakura, bloom. In the perfume industry, the oil from these blossoms make a wonderful base scent.

If you walk pass by a row of sakura trees, you could not help but notice as you sniff on some air, how wide the aroma spreads. It diffuses into the air and generates a very lovely scent. The smell also does not go away quickly. It lingers in the air for long periods of time.

In Paul‘s letter to the church in Corinth, he mentioned that we are Christ‘s aroma. In the Roman empire, a parade is held to announce and celebrate Rome‘s victory in battle. Incense is burned and people can then both see and smell their triumph.

As believers, we surrender our lives to God and are then likened as willing captives to Christ. Wherever our feet tread, we reflect Christ. We then spread His fragrance wherever we go. When we walk the streets, like in a Roman triumphal parade, people get to see and smell the aroma we exude as the Body of Christ. This distinctive sweet smelling aroma that diffuses from within a follower of Jesus is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Sometimes, however, if we are not walking in His ways, instead of a sweet aroma, it is possible to emit a repugnant odor. If we do not bear the fruits of the Spirit, but are filled with rotten fruits due to sin, although we profess to be Christians, the world cannot tell the difference. They will not be attracted by our aroma. On the contrary, they will be repelled by the unpleasant smell.

Therefore, we should aim to live our lives to exude an aroma that leads to life, instead of death. As Christians, our life is not our own, but Christ‘s.

Reflection: How do you tell the world that you are a follower of Christ without even saying a word?

Prayer: Dear God, may my life exude a pleasing aroma that tells the world about you. Enable me to bear fruit in the Spirit. Thank you for your guidance. Amen.