Fertilizing in Love

I have both killed and allowed death to take many plants. Some, I killed on purpose, like devil’s walking cane or volunteer wild cherry trees. Others, I gave too much water or not enough. Some, I left out in the cold, others I left out in the heat. Too much fertilizer, no fertilizer, etc…

If I take care of a plant, I need to give it what it needs and protect it from what kills it. Giving it water that is boiling is not the best way to water it. The way I interact with people can look much like this. Speaking the truth in condemnation is not likely to accomplish the same effect as speaking the truth in love. Lying is bad even if I am doing it because I don’t want to hurt someone. Patience in the way I must repeat some things for some people to grasp them or finally believe them can make or break the success of my intentions.

Speak the truth. Speak it in love. And, when appropriate, speak it in joy. And in peace, and patience, and kindness, goodness, filled with faith, gentleness and self-control. The Spirit will change lives for the better because you tended them well and brought Life to them.