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“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

A fresh blanket of snow is covering everything, and Baby is it cold outside!  The view out of my office window unveils a Christmas card in the making.  The fence posts stacked with drifts, pines bent heavy and the white open field remind me Winter is just beginning – the time of year I really don’t like. Maybe that’s why my husband went to the grocery store this morning and brought back beautiful pink hyacinths. He definitely knows his woman is not a Winter person.  Even on a cold, wintry morning, I can still have a touch of Spring  – a beautiful aroma filling up our home – a promise of what is to come.

Don’t know about you but Winter isn’t the only thing I don’t like  – there are plenty of chapters in my life I would have loved to omit.  Some were hard, sad, exhausting, frustrating and plain not pretty.  And yet even in those unwanted seasons, God always cultivated the sweet aroma of His presence.  No matter how dark or disappointing the day, He was always there right beside me – a God touch I so desperately needed.

What’s a God touch look like?  Sometimes it’s the timely phone call from a friend letting us know they’re praying for us. Often it’s an embrace reminding us we haven’t been forgotten. Many times it’s the remembrance of His word which soothes the soul. Countless days it’s the hum of His praises, a familiar song on our lips we can’t refrain from singing. On occasion it’s the one helping us clean house or watch our children.  And during the darkest days of our lives, it’s the one who comes, sits, cries, prays, encourages and challenges us to not lose faith.  Intentional moments when God’s love walks in and leaves the sweetest fragrance ever.

Who could ever resist such love?

As believers, we are instructed to walk – live out – this sweet love of God in our lives.  It’s the very imitating of God’s love which draw others to Him. Wonder how many times we have sacrificially resisted self for the sake of others?  Got to admit its incredible to be on the receiving end, but the real sweetness is giving God’s love to those we meet. Imitating His love which has no limits.

“Father, show us how to conduct our lives filled with Your love.  Help us to be gracious receivers and generous givers following in Your footsteps.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life