Staying Rooted in Christ

Gardeners and farmers know that the proper soil and strong, healthy roots are necessary for plants to bring forth a bountiful harvest. Let’s take this perspective and apply it to how we live as Christians. 

When we’re rooted in Christ, we let Him affect how we think, speak, and act. Staying rooted in Him is what makes the difference. What could this difference look like? Here are a few ideas:

When you put away your winter clothes for the season, set aside items you haven’t worn and take them to your favorite charity. As you do this, ask our Lord to bless whoever will wear the clothes you’re donating. This prayer changes your donation from an act of philanthropy to one of love. 

Ask Christ to open your eyes to see Him in others. In church, you might notice someone whom you’ve never seen before sitting by himself or herself. On your way out, introduce yourself and ask them a little about themselves. They’ll feel welcomed and included in the congregation because now they know someone there: you.

In the morning, ask our Lord to guide your words. Then, when you say something kind to a neighbor, you’ve invited Him to add His love to your words and make them more touching. Ask Him to guide your actions; then, when you perform a random act of kindness, it may have a greater impact because He has added His love to it. 

“Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit.” –John 15:5

When we stay rooted in Christ and allow Him to act in us, we let Him transform us into people who love radically. What does this look like? We pray for those who have hurt us. We ask for forgiveness when we’ve hurt someone else. We’re kind to those who misjudge us or misunderstand us. We give generously to those who ask without judging whether or not they deserve it. We give to those who can’t repay us, and we give without letting anyone know we have given. We pray where others can’t see us praying. We befriend those whose sins are different from ours, acknowledging the goodness in all of us. 

We strive to imitate Christ in all that we do.

“Lord, let me do nothing apart from You.” 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2023 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! 

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p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

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