Relationship
“With all lowliness and gentleness with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace» (Ephesians 4:2, 3).
In the state of Utah (United States), there is a grove named Pando which is of great interest to nature lovers. The colony of aspens occupies forty-three hectares and contains approximately forty thousand trunk. What is remarkable is the fact that they are all connected by an underground shared root system, estimating a body of 6,600 tons of living organism, making it the heaviest known organism in the world. All the roots, trunks, branches and leaves of Pando have the same genetic makeup, since their reproduction is by cloning. Nevertheless, the aspect of each trunk, branch and leaf is unique and offers a great variety.
When there is a fire that damages a part of the grove, the roots produce new stems that transform into young trunks that become adult trees. The same happens when a plague affects the colony: the root system defends itself as a whole to remove the threat and replace any dead tissue.
Today’s verse exalts unity: «keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace» (Eph. 4:3). Just as Pando maintains unity through a living system united by the same DNA, the apostle also suggests two elements that communities need to achieve peace and unity: humility and gentleness. Humility is a basic element of good relationships and for preserving unity. The Koreans, for example, greet each other with a bow to show mutual respect. The outside observer may not be aware that the bow varies in length and depth, depending on the person’s social class. Thus, the old people (very respected in this culture) or the business owners receive a deeper bow than someone of no social class. Through the open display of humility to one another, many problems can be avoided.
Jesus invites us to be humble through the following declarations: «he who humbles himself will be exalted» (Matt. 23: 12); «If anyone desires to be the first, he shall be the last of all» (Mark 9:35); «when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place» (Luke 14: 10); «Blessed are the poor in spirit» (Matt. 5:3).Humbleness is a trait of great value within the Christian context, but it also is the mark of a wise person to keep unity and balance in all relations. Put them to practice and you will not regret it.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
