Phil. 4:17, 1817Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:17‑18). The Apostle Paul wanted every tree in the Lord's garden to bring forth much fruit, and he could rejoice in even such a thing as a little money being sent. He calls it " an odor of a sweet smell, acceptable to God." Turn to Eph. 5:2,2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor. (Ephesians 5:2) where it is written that Christ's giving Himself for us, was a sweet-smelling savor to God: and He has so made us one with Himself, He so fills everything connected with His people, that even a little money sent for His sake is called an odor of a sweet smell. The fragrance of the divine love of the Lord Jesus, led their hearts out in love one to another, saying, "The Lord having loved us and given Himself us, how shall we express our love?" It is a beautiful thing when passing over a clover field to inhale the sweetness of the odor it gives forth, but here was " an odor of a sweet smell" fit for God: not merely the contribution, but the blessed root from which it anew.
We are too little to carry home the thoughts of Christ. Some poor thing might say, " Ah, I have never done a thing, for Christ!" but Christ may reply, "I have not forgotten that cup of cold water which you gave." There was no costliness in it, but His name was connected with it.
Even an expression of love to Christ, comes from the heart with a full savor of a sweet smell, acceptable and well pleasing to God.