1 John 2:20 – But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

Smeared is a very interesting word that you do not hear used very often. I know growing up that word was part of our everyday lingo with kids playing sports. We always talked about someone getting ‘smeared’ when they experienced a devastating defeat. In today’s verse we have that word ‘smeared’ used in a different way. The word in the Greek text is chrisma and is translated anointing. The literal meaning here is a description of anointing oil being smeared all over you. So what is John getting at in this verse? What he is saying is that the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us or literally smeared all over us as Christians. The implication is that our whole life is affected by this anointing. Our lifestyle is affected, our joy is affected, and our understanding of the Bible is also majorly affected. Under the influence of His anointing every part of us is changed and is continuing to be changed. Here we have a definition from Thayers’ Wordbook followed by the Olive Tree Dictionary.

Thayers Wordbook

Chrisma – anything smeared on, unguent, ointment, usually prepared by the Hebrews from oil and aromatic herbs. Anointing was the inaugural ceremony for priests, kings, and sometimes also prophets, and by it they were regarded as endued with the Holy Spirit and divine gifts…

Olive Tree Dictionary

Chrisma; an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment (“chrism”) of the Holy Spirit: — anointing, unction.

anything smeared on, unguent, ointment, usually prepared by the Hebrews from oil and aromatic herbs. Anointing was the inaugural ceremony for priests….

This anointing affects our love for God as well as our love for people. It will change our work ethic, the things we love, and our purpose in life. Here is what Thomas Manson says about this smearing.

“Let us improve our anointing and discover it in all companies, temptations, exercises, businesses. Wherever you come, show forth the fragrancy of your good ointments. In your converse with God, pray in the Holy Ghost, that is, pray as one that has an unction, with a savory spirit, and enlarged affections. In your converse with men all your words and actions must savor of this ointment.”

One of the beautiful effects of the anointing on our life is our devotional life changes. We love His presence and we love His word more than ever. Embrace His presence and let Him smear His essence all over you.