Scented Candles

READ: EPHESIANS 6:18-20; PHILIPPIANS 2:12-16; 1 PETER 3:15-16

As Christians, we’re called to share the good news of Jesus with others. And this is a wonderful thing—it’s an honor to be entrusted with such a task. But have you ever been around somebody telling others about Jesus in a way that just doesn’t seem all that great? It might feel like this person is bragging because they know Jesus and others don’t. While it’s commendable to have the courage to speak up about Jesus, we should be careful to consider the way we witness to others. If people don’t even like to be around us, maybe our approach needs to change.

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (verse 14-16). 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 (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). As Christians, sometimes we’re tempted to be a floodlight in situations when a candle is needed.

Think about it this way—imagine you walk into your friend’s home, and you’re greeted by the warm, calming scent of coconut. Even though the smell is coming from a candle, it makes you hungry for your favorite dessert: coconut cake. Just as a scented candle can make us hungry for the real thing, a gentle witness can make people hungry to know Jesus. When we consistently treat others the way Jesus would and gently tell them what He means to us, they can see the difference He’s made in our lives. Then they may decide they want to know Him too.

So, how will you witness? Will you be like a floodlight, trying to shine God’s truth on people all at once? Or will you be like a scented candle, gently yet consistently pointing to Him in your words and actions? 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, we can remember that we need Jesus just as much as anybody, and we can let our lives be filled with the aroma of His love and kindness so others will be hungry to know Him too. • A. W. Smith

• Think about how you came to know Jesus. Were there any people who were like scented candles in your life? What did they do or say that was helpful?

• Consider taking some time to reread today’s Bible passages and write down what sticks out to you about how we’re called to share the good news. (More about this good news on our "Know Jesus" page.)

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)