10th December 2025

A comic strip character in Peanuts, nicknamed Pigpen, kicked up a cloud of dust wherever he went. He wasn’t the most popular kid, as you can imagine, but he occasionally came up with something wise to say. I wonder what kind of cloud we kick up as we walk through life. Is it a dust cloud that chokes people and causes them to want to run away, or do we emanate a more pleasing atmosphere? 

As Christians, we might kick up dust sometimes, but 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NIV) gives us a better idea of what we should leave in our wake: ‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?’ Who indeed? 

In a book on contemplative prayer, the author commented that in union with Christ, we can release the fragrance of Christ wherever we go. It’s even possible to do this for those who don’t know him and want nothing to do with him. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to talk to people about Jesus with gentleness and respect, humility and reverence. We can spread a pleasing aroma of Christ when we are in union with him, surrendered to him and aware of the effect we have on others. 

May we always have a positive effect and a sweet aroma through the kindness and compassion of Christ in our lives. 

First published on 12 November 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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