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.

How can you and I learn to allow God to defend us and in turn extend grace to those who have been unkind to us?

First, we can set aside a daily prayer and devotion time. When we spend time talking with Christ, sharing the highs and lows of life we are able to let go of our sorrows. During this time we are able to gain wisdom and guidance from God to help us deal with difficult people and situations. When our hearts and minds are full of Christ we are more likely to have the grace of God wafting off of us.

Next, we can sustain a sweet scent of God by starting our day with gratitude. Spend some time each morning or evening listing at least 5 blessings. When we are intentional with looking for not only the big, but also the small gifts from God, we begin to adopt an attitude of gratitude which empowers us to share God’s grace with others. In Psalm 86:12, David declares, “I will praise you with all my heart, O Lord my God; I will proclaim your greatness forever.”

Another way to exude the aroma of God’s grace is by practicing living in the moment. When we learn to be present in the “right now” and relish each moment, we strengthen our gratitude and learn to appreciate fully the grace God extended to us when His only Son died on the cross for our sins. As long as we have breath in our earthly bodies, we are sinners. Every day you and I show our humanness and fail, but every day God extends grace and forgiveness to us. Let’s learn to relish each moment we are given and realize that each moment is an opportunity to waft the scent of God. As Psalm 118:24 states, and as our pastor often reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Today, let’s be aware of the scent that we have wafting off of us. Let’s be intentional in spreading God’s grace, especially to those who have hurt us, so we may share the sweet scent of God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the sweet scent of Your grace. As I spend time in prayer, devotion, and gratitude may I collect Your sweet scent and spread it to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.