There is something beautiful about a person who carries the fragrance of goodness. We feel comfortable around such people. Their kind words bring comfort, and their care and compassion for others warm our hearts. God also delights in good deeds.
Hebrews 13:16 — God is pleased with the sacrifices of doing good and sharing with others.
Philippians 4:18 — Paul described the gifts sent by the Philippian believers as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God.
However, even when we do good things, our hearts may still hold hurt feelings or resentment. We may help someone but feel disappointed when they do not appreciate us. We may do something good yet feel that we are losing out. Sometimes, we may even do good things for our own benefit or believe we are doing what is right when our actions are not in accordance with God’s will.
Then how can we offer the fragrance of goodness that truly pleases God?
1. Goodness must take root in our hearts.
Psalm 51:10 — David prayed that God would create a pure heart within him and renew a steadfast spirit.
A good heart does not develop simply because we behave kindly on the outside. We must seek God’s grace, recognize the evil within us, and turn away from it. Perhaps we used to become angry easily, but now we respond with gentleness. We sincerely forgive those we once hated. Instead of feeling jealous when others succeed, we rejoice with them. As our hearts change, our attitude toward doing good also changes. Instead of expecting praise or rewards, we genuinely desire the happiness of others.
2. We must obey God’s Word.
1 Samuel 15:22 — Obedience to God is better than sacrifice.
We are often willing to do good when it benefits us. But when obedience costs us something or goes against our desires, it becomes difficult. However, the true standard of goodness is not our own thoughts or feelings, but God’s Word. We do not repay evil with evil, even when someone hates us. We choose honesty even when it comes at a personal cost. Even when we believe our own thoughts are right, if they conflict with God’s Word, we must set them aside and follow His Word. At first, obedience may feel unfair or seem like a loss. Yet true obedience means putting God’s will before our own interests.
3. We must live as instruments of God’s will.
Philippians 2:13 — God works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to fulfill His good purpose.
We often spend our days following our own plans and meeting our personal needs. However, God also wants to accomplish His purposes through us in our everyday lives. We can encourage someone who has lost hope, extend a helping hand to a person in need, or share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone who needs to hear it. Our words, hands, time, and talents can all become instruments through which God accomplishes His will.
Therefore, each morning, let us pray, “Lord, what do You want me to do today? How do You want to use me?” Then let us put into practice the will of God that we come to understand through His Word and prayer.
But there is something especially important for us to remember today.
We should not stop at simply doing good. We should also experience the fullness of joy that comes from doing good. This does not mean forcing ourselves to smile or telling ourselves that we must feel happy. Rather, as God transforms our hearts with goodness, doing what is good begins to bring us genuine joy.
Why does this happen?
Romans 14:17 — The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The joy we experience through the Holy Spirit does not depend on people’s praise or rewards. Even when obedience involves difficulties and sacrifice, deep joy can arise within our hearts as we love God and fulfill His will. When we forgive someone we once hated, we experience peace in our hearts. When others are happy, we rejoice with them. We become grateful simply because God is using us for His purposes.
When doing good becomes our joy and fulfilling God’s will becomes our happiness, the good deeds and joy that flow from such a transformed heart become a beautiful fragrance offered to God.
Today, may you experience not a joy that you force yourself to feel, but the genuine joy that wells up from deep within your heart through the Holy Spirit.
