We have seen many people arriving to us in the Church, smelling like alcohol, marijuana, homeless people with their noses white from the “powder” (cocaine), half-naked people… leading a truly dirty life. All of them found the Church doors open, were delivered, washed in the blood of Jesus and received a new Spirit; they were neither rejected nor criticised. But why? Because God does not see as men see.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

(1 Samuel 16:7)

In the moment that David was chosen by God, how did he smell? He smelled like the bush, manure, dust and most importantly, he smelled like the sheep. He lived in the countryside; he did not smell well; he did not give off a pleasant scent. However, God saw what was inside of him.

And just as he was chosen to be the next king of Israel, many have also been chosen to have a new, transformed life. And because they received the Holy Spirit, today they are “the good perfume of Christ.”

The Holy Spirit wants to do this same work in your life. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your “stench” is. Come as you are. The Universal Church is for all.

May the God of the Bible bless you

Bishop Joshua Fonseca