I love trees and I always have. There is just something so majestic and awe-inspiring about them.
The church—and I mean the people—are so like trees. Ps. 92:13 says, “For they are transplanted into the LORD’s own house. We are God’s family with our roots in our faith in Him.”
While Ray and I were walking through a nature preserve, I took a picture which showed some trees whose roots were intertwined aboveground. I was fascinated that the roots were tangled together. I had no idea that the roots of different trees actually “talk” to each other.
In the book The Hidden life of Trees, Peter Wolleben explains that different species of trees communicate with one another in what is called the “Wood Wide Web”. Research has shown that trees will warn others of drought, insects, and other dangers through their root system. Likewise, we are to share our trials and triumphs with one another. Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.“
According to Jessica Stewart’s article “Research Shows the Incredible Way Trees Help Each Other Survive in the Forest”, a stump can continue to live by receiving nutrients from its host tree. Their roots are connected, so it will continue to support the stump. God instructs us to protect one another. Rom 15:1-2: “We who have strong faith should help the weak with their problems. We should not please only ourselves. We should all please our neighbors. Let us do what is good for them. Let us build them up.”
We see that the trees can lend so much to each other, even those of different species. So should we—who may be very different from each other—support, love, encourage, warn, and protect one another. Heb 10:24-25: “Let us consider how we can stir up one another to love. Let us help one another to do good works. Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead, let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when Christ will return.”