Feeding Leaves

Alan Chadwick, an Englishman, was a brilliant master gardener, and a leading innovator of organic farming. Chadwick was famous for having said “Roots are leaves in the ground, and leaves are roots in the air”. He was a proponent of foliar feeding, actually fertilizing the leaves with a sprayer so that nutrients could be soaked in. The feeding of the leaves feeds the whole plant down to the roots.

Sometimes we need to feed our brother’s and sister’s leaves. A seed of faith can be planted and spout, with roots developing from prayer and bible study. We need to shower that person with encouragement to help them to grow. Mature Christians need fed, too. They may be weary of particular trials or battles. Let them know they are not in the war alone.

The Word tells us to encourage each other, and build each other up (1 Thes. 5:11). Not all of us seem to be comfortable here. We don't see ourselves as being "outgoing enough" to be encouragers. But many times it's the little card, or word, or call that can mean so much. Some people have the gift of encouragement, and Romans 12:6 tells them to use it. The greatest gifts bestowed are for the edification of the church, so that makes the gift of encouragement pretty important. Ask the Lord to lead you to those who need it.

We also need to receptive when someone tries to encourage us. Receive it, and soak it in. It'll go all the way to the roots.

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