Sweet Fragrance of Repentance

This month, we explore the concept of fragrance beyond the typical perfumes found in shopping malls or cosmetic shops. We delve into how our lives can become a pleasing aroma to the Lord. Consider this: fragrance cannot be seen, yet it can be sensed and smelled. Often, a scent reveals what is occurring around us without visual confirmation. Moreover, the scent we perceive can significantly influence our subsequent actions.

For instance, when entering a supermarket, you might catch the aroma of freshly baked bread even before spotting the bakery. This enticing scent can draw you to purchase bread from that bakery simply because it smells delightful. Conversely, imagine one day you enter your kitchen and detect the foul odor of rotten eggs; this could indicate a gas leak, prompting you to take immediate action to safeguard yourself and call emergency services (though we hope this situation never occurs). The gas itself isn't visible, yet failing to react could result in serious consequences. Similarly, in real estate, sellers sometimes bake cookies in their kitchen shortly before showing their home to prospective buyers. The inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies evokes feelings of home and comfort in potential buyers, potentially increasing the likelihood of a sale. Though the buyers neither see nor taste the cookies, the pleasant aroma can significantly influence their decision-making process.

It makes me consider that even though we believe our actions in private or our personal lives only impact ourselves, unknowingly, our lives emit a scent for others to perceive. This "scent of your life" can either be appealing to others or drive them away.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

That Bible verse states that Christians are the sweet fragrance of Christ to God. In practical terms, how does our life smell to God? Does it emit a sweet fragrance or an unpleasant odor? If you ever feel that your life doesn't emit a sweet fragrance but rather a bitter smell or bad odor, consider the encouraging stories in the Bible.

From Sinner to Extravagant Worshiper

Luke 7:37-38 

Now there was a woman in the city who was [known as] a sinner; and when she found out that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume; and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began wetting His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and [respectfully] kissed His feet [as an act signifying both affection and submission] and anointed them with the perfume.

First, this woman was known as a sinner. As soon as she discovered Jesus' whereabouts, she acted without hesitation. She took expensive perfume and initiated a beautiful act of worship in front of everyone. She poured out the costly perfume and anointed Jesus, recognizing His worthiness. She sacrificed her money—equivalent to about 300 days' salary, as research suggests. She also risked her reputation, aware that the Pharisees might judge her, yet she proceeded regardless. Her sole intention was to express gratitude and worship Jesus, seeking nothing in return.

When this woman lived a sinful life, the scent of her life may have been unpleasant. However, after she repented, look at the beautiful gesture she made for Jesus. In Matthew 26:13, Jesus said, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, wherever this gospel [of salvation] is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her [for her act of love and devotion].” Once a sinner, she now stands as an example of the kind of heart posture every Christian should have while worshiping our God.

From Persecutor of Christ to Instrument of God

Paul, formerly known as Saul, was a Pharisee and a fervent opponent of Christ. He persecuted the church and many Christians. However, one day, Jesus appeared to Saul, causing him to be blinded for three days. God sent a disciple named Ananias to lay hands on Saul so that he might regain his eyesight. Initially hesitant due to Saul's notorious past, Ananias ultimately obeyed God's command.

Acts 9:15-16

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will make clear to him how much he must suffer and endure for My name’s sake.”

After this encounter, Saul's name was changed to Paul. He went on to accomplish many remarkable things for the Lord and the Church. He passionately preached and taught the gospel, embarked on missionary journeys, endured suffering and beatings, and ultimately was martyred by beheading. Despite this, Christians worldwide have benefited greatly from his teachings due to his wholehearted dedication to Christ. Indeed, his life became a true sweet fragrance to God.

Building a Sweet Fragrance Begins with Repentance

The two stories above share one common element during their transformations: repentance.

Repentance is a beautiful thing. It is not meant to make you feel guilty or fill you with shame and horror. True repentance doesn't come from being forced. We live in a broken world, and as long as we are alive, we will always need to repent before God because no one is perfect.

Psalm 51:17

My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.

This Psalm captures a heart of repentance. David wrote this Psalm after Nathan, the prophet, confronted him with God's judgment following his sin with Bathsheba. The incident was a disgrace to David and perhaps to the entire country. However, David's willingness to repent and humble himself before God set an example of the attitude one should have even after sinning. No one is perfect, and we know that God despises sin. However, a broken and contrite heart, a heart willing to repent and turn to God, will not be despised by Him.

Repentance Helps Us to Recognize and Honor God for Who He Is

Psalm 51:4 

Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak [Your sentence] and faultless in Your judgment.

While God is indeed full of loving kindness, slow to anger, and exceedingly patient, it does not mean we can act without regard for His Will, especially when we know our actions might grieve or anger Him. Repentance reminds us of God's true nature, including His role as a Just Judge, and prompts us to acknowledge that sin can lead to unwelcome consequences.

Repentance Opens the Way for God to Renew Your Heart

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.

Repentance goes beyond admitting your wrongdoing; it requires you to stop engaging in actions that lead to sin and start anew. Through repentance, God can create something new within you, allowing you to align your heart with His Will.

Repentance Can Ultimately Become a Joyful Experience

Psalm 51:12-13 

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You.

Although the process of repentance can be heartbreaking and tearful, as it involves acknowledging wrongdoing, there is joy in God's salvation. We can ask God to sustain us with a willing spirit. Even better, we can share the lessons we learn with others, giving them the chance to return to God as well.

I hope that through these simple reflections, we no longer view repentance as a shameful or burdensome act. Instead, we should rejoice. We should rejoice in the opportunity to repent, to turn away from the paths that displease God, and to experience the joy of His salvation!

What happens after we genuinely repent? This is when we present our offerings to the Lord, and He delights in receiving them.

Psalm 51:19 

Then will You delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then young bulls will be offered on Your altar.

Through repentance, our foul odors can be transformed into a sweet fragrance for the Lord. Praise God, this transformation is possible because Jesus Christ shed His Blood for our sins.

Action Steps

Let's do something fun and make an offering to the Lord. Think of something that smells nice to present to Him, such as flower arrangements, DIY bottled perfume, scented candles or scented soap. If time permits, I encourage you to create these items yourself. You can watch DIY videos on YouTube or participate in workshops or short courses. Don't worry about perfection—just do your best and have a heart of worship while engaging in these activities. Here are some things to keep in mind when creating your offerings:

1. This blog post discusses repentance. Before starting the activity, ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything you need to repent of. Pray to God, ask for forgiveness, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance on how to avoid the wrongdoing or harmful behavior in the future.

2. Next, choose an activity or a gift you want to present to God. Keep this in mind and aim to give God your best.

3. This gift is for God alone, so I encourage you not to give it to anyone else. Before doing anything with it, pray and ask the Holy Spirit what you should do with this gift.

Let’s Pray Together

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the "Fragrance" Bible study. Help us always remember to be a sweet fragrance to You. Guide us to be honest and examine our hearts, revealing any areas of our lives that have a foul odor or need for repentance. Help us experience the joy of salvation through the process of repentance. Through genuine repentance and heartfelt offerings, may we produce a sweet fragrance unto You and bless those around us.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.