“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6:23
One night I was speaking to several hundred men gathered in a skid row mission for an evangelistic meeting. I had been invited to bring the address and as always my heart was deeply stirred when I realized that these men needed the Lord so very much. In the spiritual sense, though, their lot was no worse than the leaders of the city, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death whether one is rich or poor, old or young, sick or well. It makes no difference. The wages of sin is death.
In an effort to communicate to these men the love of God and His free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, I pulled a ten-dollar bill from my pocket and said, “The first person who comes to take this from my hand, can have it as a free gift.” This was my way of illustrating God’s gift of grace. Out of the hundreds of people seated before me, not a single person moved as I extended the bill, repeating several times, “The first one who will come and take this bill from my hand can have it.”
Finally, a middle-aged man, shabbily dressed like the rest, stood timidly to his feet and with an inquiring expression said, “Do you really mean it?” I said, “Sure, come and get it; it is yours.” He almost ran to grasp it and he thanked me. The rest of the crowd began mumbling, as if to say, “Why didn’t I have the faith to go and accept the gift?”
This gave me a marvelous opportunity to emphasize that we do not earn God’s love. He loves us unconditionally – not because of who we are, but because of who He is. God proved His love for us in that while we were all wretched sinners, He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for us and give to all men who will receive Him the gift of eternal life. Oh, what an attractive gift. Who could refuse to accept such a wonderful gift?
Bible Reading: Romans 6:17-22
Today’s Action Point: I will trust the Lord to help me make His offer of this marvelous free gift, the gift of His only begotten Son who is eternal life, so attractive that no one can refuse to accept it.
“…God …through us, spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
The smell of baking permeated every corner of the house. Walking in from outside the fragrance was welcoming. The smell alone created an appetite and an expectation.
Did you know that you permeate the circle you live in with a fragrance? Oh, it’s not your perfume or your after shave. It’s the fragrance of Christ. It’s His love and peace flowing through you and impacting the circle where you influence.
You bring the fragrance of Jesus with you as you interact with those around you. You can bring acceptance and love, gentleness and kindness. You can bring an unselfish spirit and an embracing warmth.
Give away some of the love Jesus gave you. Create a hunger for Him in those around you by sharing the fragrance of Jesus.
Simply ask for His Holy Spirit to fill you today with power from Him so you can share the fragrance of His loving care. Share His gentle love today and, as the old saying goes, “if necessary, use words”.
Father God, I want to say a special “Thank You” today for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that knowing Him can change a life! Help me today to have a heart full of the abundance of all Jesus is: love and gentleness, acceptance and caring. Help me to be filled today with these things, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the fragrance of Christ will permeate wherever I go today! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
