A Delightful Aroma

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

A delicious aroma drifted through the door as Beth walked into the house. She inhaled deeply, wondering for a minute what it was. I know—apple pie! Maybe Mom will let me have a piece before supper. Her stomach growled as she went into the kitchen. No Mom. No apple pies either.

Beth found her mother in the living room. “Hi, Mom. I have a note for you from my teacher,” Beth said, grinning. “I think it’s something good.”

Mom opened the envelope and read the note out loud. “It’s such a delight to have Beth as one of my students,” she read. “She often gives up her free time to help her classmates and has befriended the new girl from Indonesia. She is like a breath of fresh air in our class. By the way, she invited me to visit your church sometime, and I’d like to do that.” The note was signed by Mrs. Hollis, Beth’s teacher at school.

Mom beamed and gave Beth a big hug. “I am so proud of you, honey!”

Beth looked pleased. “Now where’s the apple pie?” she asked. “I know you made one—I can smell it. Can I have a piece?”

Mom furrowed her brow. “Apple pie? I didn’t make any…oh, it’s the candle.” She pointed to the candle burning on the mantle. “It’s an apple pie spice candle.”

“Oh.” Beth was disappointed. “It made me hungry for apple pie.”

Mom smiled. “You know what? I think your life is like that candle. It made you hungry for apple pie because it smells so good, and I believe your actions and attitude at school have made your teacher hungry for what you have—I think that’s why she wants to come to church sometime.”

“But church isn’t really what she needs,” said Beth. “She needs Jesus.”

“Exactly,” said Mom. “Your teacher doesn’t realize she’s really hungry for a relationship with Jesus, but she sees something in your life that appeals to her. I think Jesus is using you to make her want the real thing—Him.” Mom looked at the clock. “Come on. We still have time to make an apple pie before supper!” – Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do your actions and attitudes make people want to be around you? Does the way you treat others make them want to know Jesus? As you show others love, kindness, patience, and helpfulness, they get a taste of who Jesus is and what knowing Him is like. As people interact with you, they may become hungry for what you have—hungry to know Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 2:15 We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Make others hungry for Jesus