Fruit and Roots

Just because a tree in the orchard isn’t bearing fruit, doesn’t mean it’s not part of the orchard. It could mean the tree hasn’t been planted long enough for roots to grow deep enough to bring nourishment to the branches to bear fruit. It could be it was just transplanted from another orchard, a greenhouse, or maybe a tree hospital…or whatever they may call it. We have to be patient with these trees. We may not see the fruit for a while. But, they’re still part of the orchard.

When the tree is big and older and not bearing fruit, something is wrong and needs to be investigated by those in charge of the orchard. There could be damage to the roots. There may not be enough sunlight. There may not be enough water. There may need to be some fertilizer for the roots. There could be something blocking the growth underground. There could be things that need to be removed from the ground and from the branches. A good pruning helps new life to come to the branches many times. Again, only the One in charge of the orchard can assign someone to prune the branches.

We are of the same orchard. We need to be patient. We need to pray. We need to help set each other free. As part of the orchard, we need to share our sunshine, water, and fertilize…even when fertilizer isn’t wanted. I believe that’s called correction and instruction in righteousness. But, there are some things another tree can’t do. The One in charge of the orchard has to handle certain things. He has certain assignments He gives to His helpers. He’s the Only One that can dig deep at the roots and remove what is causing the stunted growth. He’s the Only One that can dig below and find what damage may have been done to the root. Be led of the Spirit of God. Love endures all things. Love is patient and kind.