The Scented Candle

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Sunny took a deep breath as she came into the house. “I smell coconut,” she said and hurried into the kitchen. “Can I have a piece, Mom?”

Mom looked up from fixing a salad and handed Sunny a carrot.

Sunny laughed. “No, I don’t want a carrot. I want a piece of coconut cake!”

A frown wrinkled Mom’s forehead. “Coconut cake? I don’t have any.”

“Coconut bars then?” Sunny opened the oven door. “I smell coconut.”

Mom grinned and pointed to a lighted candle on the table. “You smell that coconut-scented candle, Sunny.”

“Ohhh! It’s making me hungry.” Sunny sighed. “Well, I guess a carrot will have to do.” She sat down at the table and watched her mother slice tomatoes.

“Anything interesting happen at school today?” Mom asked.

Sunny shrugged. “I overheard Eugene tell someone about Jesus. He witnesses to the kids at school all the time.”

“That’s great!” said Mom.

Sunny frowned. “I don’t know if it is or not.”

Mom looked up in surprise. “Why is that? How can it not be good?”

“It’s the way he does it,” Sunny explained. “It’s like he’s bragging because he knows Jesus and other kids don’t. I don’t think they even like to be around him.”

“Well, let’s give him credit for having the courage to speak up,” said Mom. “At the same time, perhaps we can learn something from him.” She paused. “A person’s witness—the way they share Jesus with others—can be like a floodlight shining in someone’s eyes, blinding them. On the other hand, a witness with a kind, gentle spirit is like a scented candle.”

“I think I know what you mean,” said Sunny. “Your coconut candle made me hungry, and a gentle witness will make people hungry to know Jesus. Right?”

Mom nodded. “When we consistently treat others the way Jesus would and gently tell them what He means to us, they’ll see the difference He’s made in our lives. Then they may decide they want to know Him too.”

Sunny took a deep whiff of the scent filling the kitchen and smiled. “Mom, can we make a coconut cake after dinner? This candle is making me want the real thing!” • Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

What kind of witness are you? Are you like a floodlight, trying to shine God’s truth on people all at once? Or are you like a scented candle, gently yet consistently pointing to Him in all you do and say? While there are times when a direct conversation with someone about Jesus is necessary, we should never do it with a know-it-all attitude. Instead, let your life be filled with the aroma of His love and kindness so others will be hungry to know Him too.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Witness with a kind, gentle spirit