Holiness in Everyday Life

The Fragrance of Christ

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2). 

Paul grounds holiness in love—practical, relational, Christ-shaped love. He gives six examples of how holiness is lived out in everyday relationships. First, authenticity—“put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (4:25). Truth is the cement of fellowship, for without it there can be no trust. Second, passion—“in your anger do not sin” (4:26). Anger must not be fuel for revenge but channeled toward righteousness, as Jesus Himself showed. Third, work and generosity—“anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer… that they may have something to share with those in need” (4:28). Work becomes holy when it turns self-centered gain into self-giving service.

Fourth, encouragement—“do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (4:29). Words, like seeds, either nourish or poison; encouragement is verbal sunshine that brings growth. Fifth, grace—“forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (4:32). As Matthew Henry observed, those who know their need of forgiveness are quickest to forgive others. Finally, purity—“among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality… these are improper for God’s holy people” (5:3). Gratitude, not greed or impurity, is to mark God’s people. N.T. Wright put it well: “Holiness is simply the life in which the Spirit’s fruit grows to maturity, making us truly human in Christ.”

Holiness, then, is not a heavy burden but the fruit of the Spirit shaping our relationships. It is seen in truthfulness, righteous passion, generosity, encouragement, forgiveness, and purity. The church is not a museum of the perfect but a hospital for the broken—where God’s grace makes us whole. As we walk in love, we reflect the fragrance of Christ, bringing warmth, healing, and light into the world. Lord, make us holy as You are holy, and let our lives overflow with Your Spirit’s fruit.

Short Prayer:

Lord, shape our lives by Your Spirit. Make us truthful, generous, forgiving, and pure, so that we walk in the way of love and reflect Christ’s fragrance to the world. Amen.