The Lodestar

The fumes ascending from the altar of sacrifice are a fragrant offering to the Lord. For example, when Noah offered a sacrifice, "the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma," resolved not to destroy the world again with water, and made a covenant with him (Gen 8:20—22). In the Old Testament, the priests added frankincense to the sacrifices to make them smell sweet. Moreover, the Temple had a golden altar for offering incense to the Lord.

Christ's death on the cross, an expression of his great love for the sinful world, spread its fragrance wide and became the standard for us to live by. Love is the hallmark of Christian discipleship as Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

The Christian life is a daily sacrifice we offer to God. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Rom 12:1). We add to this sacrifice fragrance by loving others as Christ loved us.

On Valentine's Day, we renew our love for those who already love us; On Rasksha Bandhan Day, we tie a band on those close to us. But every day in our Christian walk, we open bottles of Christian fragrance as we pray and care for those who do not deserve any love. Let us start with those who hate us, then those we are tempted to hate. Begin this sacred fragrance now—pray for, care for, and forgive, embodying the love that marks true discipleship. Let your life be a pleasing aroma that honours God and transforms the world.

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