As I walked down the grocery store isle shopping for dinner, a woman and I crossed paths. I thought to myself, "She seems like a nice lady," as we smiled and passed each other among the canned vegetables.

But within just a few steps, I found myself suddenly overcome by an invisible and overwhelming cloud of perfume that apparently trailed my fellow shopper! Not wanting to appear rude, I did my best to not cough; instead, I quietly held my breath, and hastened my steps until I was in the clear in the next aisle!

Upon regaining my composure and taking in a big breath of fresh air, I realized that as women of God, we can sometimes have a similar type of "fragrance problem". This caused me to wonder - what kind of fragrance do we, as God's women, offer to others in our everyday relationships?

This fellow shopper was probably totally unaware that she was simply coming on too strong. I'm sure that we have all, at one time or another, sprayed on too much perfume, missing the delicate balance that can either draw others to us or push them away.

Our relationships with others can, at times, be the same. Through the years, we become so comfortable with our own personalities and habits that it can become easy to forget how we may come across to others. The result is that we can sometimes come on too strong, forgetting to reflect God's love to others. According to the Word of God, we are to:

"Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." (Philippians 2:3-4, The Message)

Then again, there are others who choose not to wear any fragrance at all. In the absence of bath soap, oil, lotion or perfume, this woman may be missing out on the opportunity to reflect yet another layer of her God-given beauty to others. As a fragrant woman of God, you can reach out to those who need to experience the love of Jesus:

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:15, NKJV)

Learning to reflect God's fragrance to others can be a fine balance, but with practice and prayer, it can become an amazing witness of His love. The secret lies in our willingness to always put the needs of others first, while yet being comfortable enough to exhibit our own individual gifts and personalities which reflect His creativity and glory.

When reflecting God's fragrance to others, we are empowered to present a pleasant bouquet of love and acceptance into their lives. As you shower those around you with the God who lives within you, don't be surprised to hear them respond with, "Ahhh…that smells nice!"

REFLECTING GOD’S FRAGRANCE TO OTHERS
By Michele Towers

As a woman of God, you want to be all that God has created you to be. You strive to be the best mom possible. You aspire to be a strong support to your husband. You want to make a difference in your workplace. You long for friendships that are rich in depth and meaning. You want to discover your God-given purpose and then fulfill it. You desire the abundant life that God has promised us.