LIFE-GIVER

1 Corinthians 3:7

Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything,
but only God, who causes the growth.

A foundation is the basis upon which a thing stands, is founded, or is supported. A solid foundation is necessary to withstand the storms of life. Build your house on sand rather than on a rock and it will crumble under the forces of nature. For a plant, it must be rotted well so it may grow to be big and strong tree. However, being alive should not be solely due to the one who planted it or the one who water it. Rather, it would be due to the love of God, continuously watering it and providing nutrition so it may bear fruit so more trees would grow.

As human beings who are spiritually weak, we need God’s power and ability to change and overcome the sinful nature (the flesh) and those patterns of life that are so destructive to ourselves and to others. Ironically, we seek to achieve by our own self-effort that which we already have in Christ. The result is we often become focused on false goals which hold us captive and keep us from experiencing God’s love, strength, and freedom, and the significance of life in Christ. In the end, we then believe that everything that happened in our lives is because of our own effort and initiative.

It is clear that God made us and everything around grow. God deserves all the credit. But He wants us to grow faithfully in Him and bear the fruit of life. He wants us to share our life with others, watering them so they may grow also in Him. It is not about our life anymore, but rather about other people’s lives that matter. It is not the water-giver but the life-giver that should be thanked for in the end.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You are the life-giver. Perfect us in love, that we may conquer all selfishness and hatred of others. Fill our hearts with joy, peace and understanding so we may overcome disputes. Plant in our hearts Your love, continuously water us with Your mercy and grant that we may bring forth the blessed fruits of the Spirit, to Your praise and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen +

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.