The Hate Tree

Once upon a time there was a beautiful tree planted in an orchard.  Each day the caretaker came and watered all the trees in the orchard.  The trees drank up the precious water, but the beautiful tree complained that the water was too cold, and decided to wait until lukewarm water came along for its tender roots.

Some time passed, and the trees in the orchard were beginning to grow very tall--except for the beautiful tree.  That tree was still waiting for lukewarm water, and the tree resented the caretaker for not providing it.

Just before Spring, the caretaker came to the orchard to prune the trees so that they would grow straight and strong into old age.  When he came to the beautiful tree, he noticed it needed more pruning because a bitter root had invaded its tender root system.  This bitter root began to invade the root system of other trees, as well.  Although painful for the tree, the caretaker knew the intense pruning would be necessary.  Without such pruning, the tree's fruit would be bitter rather than sweet.

But, the beautiful tree resisted the pruning, choosing to bear no fruit at all for the caretaker or his master.  The caretaker spent extra time caring for the beautiful tree, even applying special fertilizers in an effort to help it grow.  Even still, the beautiful tree resisted, becoming angry and resentful about the pruning, cold water, and special fertilizers. 

Sadly, the tree became so full of hate toward the caretaker that it finally withered and died, having produced no fruit at all for the master. 

Do you have a hate tree in your orchard?

The Bible tell us, "Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."  Hebrews 12:15

For those who follow God and receive His loving correction, the Bible says, "They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.  Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."  Psalm 1:3

May we all accept the loving hand of God our Father as the caretaker of our lives.

May you have the best day you've ever had in your life.

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