Pastor Javon Ruff talked about how palm trees have great root systems. Their roots go deep into the ground for moisture and nourishment. He shared that a group of palm trees forms an oasis, a place where orange and lemon trees can find shade and grow.

He related this to how we, as a church body, can provide safe spaces for others to grow. That’s why unity is so important. We cannot grow on our own, we need each other. Just like certain plants thrive when planted together, chasing away pests, providing shade, or increasing moisture, we as the church can support one another. We can mentor Christians who are still maturing in their faith.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–26, the Apostle Paul compares the church to a body. The body has many parts, and all are necessary. In the same way, the church is made up of many members, and each one is vital. God has given us different gifts and abilities, and He expects us to use them to strengthen the body and glorify Him. The church cannot grow and remain strong if we are divided. The strong must support the weak, and the mature must disciple new believers so that we all can grow and become more effective.

We cannot reach the world if we are fighting with one another. That’s not the kind of fragrance that draws people to Christ. We are meant to be a sweet-smelling aroma, and it begins with how we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we love one another, others will notice. Then our “perfume” will spread and attract people to him. When they see that we don’t complain or whine, but praise God instead, they will desire what we have.

Don’t let your circumstances or trials fill you with bitterness or self-pity. Keep praising God, just like Job did. Let’s be a procession that proclaims His name and diffuses the fragrance of Jesus to the world, by being rooted and grounded in him and by supporting one another.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for planting me in Christ and for giving me a community to grow with. Help me to remain rooted deeply in You, drawing strength and nourishment from Your Word and Your presence. Teach me to value the body of Christ, to support others, to encourage those who are weary, and to extend grace where it's needed. Make me a shelter to those around me, just as the palm trees form an oasis. May my life release the fragrance of Christ, and may my words and actions draw others to You. Keep me from bitterness and help me to praise You in every season. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Look for one person in your faith community this week whom you can encourage, mentor, or simply be a safe space for. Whether it’s a kind word, a prayer, or intentional time spent listening, be part of the oasis. Let your roots go deeper by strengthening someone else’s. Remember: when we lift others, we grow stronger together.