Cultivating Growth
Spring is in full effect!
Irrigation turned on – check!
Fertilizer applied – check!
Weeds pulled – check!
Plan for weeds to be pulled again, and again, and again… – check!
One of the things I love most about yardwork is seeing the immediate results of my effort. There is something deeply satisfying about that! And, if I consistently care for my yard, I can watch everything thrive and grow. However, if I neglect it, I face what I already experienced this year—hours upon hours of frustration pulling weeds and repeatedly emptying the mower from all the overgrowth. When this happens, yardwork shifts from something enjoyable to something I dread and put off.
Here's the thing: it's no different with the relationships in our lives. (Yes, I know, I just pulled a "pastor move" and shifted gears!)
You see, when we invest in our relationships—consistently pulling weeds, fertilizing, and watering—we will see growth, which is easy when we want the relationships!
But when we don’t, we won’t! Neglect is easy when we want out of a relationship!
But what about those relationships we struggle with? The ones where communication feels blocked, damage has occurred, or fruitfulness seems impossible?
In the scriptures, Jesus tells the following story about a fig tree:
“A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.” – Luke 13:6-9 NIV.
In the story, the tree hasn’t produced any fruit for a long, long time. We can all relate to this. We’ve all had relationships we felt were going nowhere and wondered why we were still invested. However, instead of immediately discarding the tree, the gardener intentionally cared for it—removing obstacles, enriching it with nutrients, and giving it time to recover and grow.
When relationships become broken, stagnant, or strained, we must adopt the gardener's approach.
What does that mean?
It means three things…
1. Fertilize – Introduce grace into the relationship.
2. Clear away obstacles – Allow truth to enter and clarify the relationship.
3. Give it time – We all love immediate results (like a fresh cut lawn), but we need to allow grace and truth the opportunity to take root and foster growth.
If we do these things in the amounts needed, we may actually discover that the relationships we once avoided can become the ones we anticipate and cherish most.
If a relationship remains unfruitful after these intentional efforts, it is time to reconsider its place in our lives. However, before we get to that point, remember the lengths to which Jesus has gone to be in a relationship with us. How much grace, truth, and time has He extended to us?
As we venture outdoors this spring—tending gardens, yards, farms, or simply enjoying nature—ask yourself: What could my relationships look like if I invested as much time and intentionality in them as I do in these outdoor spaces?
Just some “fruit” for thought…
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Justin