1 Peter 2:19-25 NIV — For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. “By his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

In my studies on today’s scripture, I read a commentary written by Scott Hoezee in which he wrote, “Getting graced by God is like getting dipped into a vat of perfume: the residue of the fragrance should waft off of you from then on.”

What an intriguing thought. What a beautiful thought. We have been graced by God. We have been dipped into a vat of holy perfume and as a result the residue of the fragrance of His grace should waft off you and me. What does God’s scent of grace smell like? It is the sweet smell of love, forgiveness, and non-judgemental acceptance of all! God loves you. God loves me. God loves everyone and He wants us to do the same. 

When others hurt us with their words or actions, when others wrong or mistreat us, when others judge or spread rumors about us, or when others act un-Christlike towards us, we should exude the scent of God’s grace. We should extend grace to everyone, especially those who have mistreated us. 

Spend some time thinking about those who have hurt you. Pray for those people by name. Ask God to give you guidance and strength to extend grace. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your everlasting love and grace. Open my eyes to my response to others who have treated me unfairly. Help me to extend Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.