We’re naturally drawn to the things that bring us peace and life.
Think about a simple houseplant. Why do we water it?
Because it can’t water itself.
Outdoor plants rely on nature, like rain, sun, and wind. In contrast, the indoor plant depends entirely on us. We often buy them for how they look. Yet, it’s the life they bring into our space that really matters. If you think about it, this small act of care holds a bigger message. It is about commitment, love, and walking by faith.
How Plants, People, and Commitment Teach Us to Love Like Christ
When you bring a plant home, you make a quiet promise — a commitment to help it grow.
Choosing an outdoor plant says, “I want something easy.” But choosing an indoor one? That shows you’re willing to take on the challenge of nurturing something that relies on you.
Seeing that plant thrive is a reward all by itself.
That act of nurturing is a reflection of how God calls us to love — intentional, consistent, and life-giving.
Outdoor plants thrive off the land. They give back by producing oxygen freely.
But indoor plants? They need us to step in and be part of the process.
And just like those plants, people around us need care too.
When you stop watering a plant, it doesn’t die instantly. It fades slowly.
Same with people. When we neglect the ones God put in our lives, they can start to wither. This affects them not physically but spiritually. It also affects them emotionally.
How many smiles we have sparked?
How many relationships have been saved, if we had taken a little time to speak life into someone else?
But we get too busy. We become too caught up in ourselves. The ones who once brought us peace are suddenly forgotten, just like a dying plant tucked away on a shelf.
And once it’s gone? We toss it like it never mattered.
The Ivy Plant: A Lesson in Relationships
The indoor plant, like us, ain’t perfect. But when it gets love and attention, it grows with joy.
When ignored, it fades.
Same with us. We all want to feel seen, loved, appreciated. And while God’s love is constant, we’re called to show that love in how we treat others.
Take my favorite — the Ivy plant.
It can grow two ways: in water, or in soil.
If you grow it in water, you only have to change that water once every few weeks.
That’s the easy version.
But the Ivy in dirt?
Now that takes work.
Its roots are buried deep, and it depends on you to water it regularly — to show up.
That’s how our relationships work too.
How often have we put people — maybe even our spouses or family — in a jar of selflessness?
Meaning we left them to figure things out on their own, while we focused on ourselves?
The world tells us, “Put yourself first.”
But the Bible tells us, “Love your neighbor. Serve one another. Don’t grow tired of doing good.”
We can’t let our relationships get buried in dirt with no water. That’s how hearts dry out.
Roots Are Reaching… Are You?
Roots are always searching — for a handout, for a meal, or just plain water.
You brought the plant home, which means you made a commitment to it.
To care for it.
To talk to it.
To remind it, “It’s gonna be alright.”
And if God says to us,
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Shouldn’t we aim to treat others with that same love?
Those promises — “I got you.” “I won’t leave you.” “We’re in this ‘til death do us part.”
They’re not just for weddings.
They’re for life.
But to live that way, we need compassion.
And compassion needs love.
And if you ain’t got love?
Forget about it.
Simple Plant Care, Spiritual Lessons
| Plant Type | Light Needs | Watering Schedule | Spiritual Lesson |
| Ivy Plant | Bright, Indirect Sunlight | Water when soil feels dry | Relationships need regular attention |
| Snake Plant | Low to bright light | Water every 2-4 weeks | Quiet strenght in hard lessons |
| Peace Lily | Low to medium light | Keep soil slightly moist | Finding peace in prayer and stillness |
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
From Plants to People: Extending God’s Love
Now maybe plants ain’t your thing.
Maybe it’s a dog, a friend, or a neighbor. The point is the same:
Every living thing God created has value.
Every relationship matters.
And every soul deserves love.
You can bring a dying plant back to life with the right care. Similarly, you can bring healing to a broken marriage, a silent friend, or a struggling child.
We are all connected. And it’s our love that keeps those connections strong.
The Real Question Is…
What are you willing to give
—to keep love alive?
—to stay committed?
—to be the one who waters when no one else will?
Caring for others is part of growing in faith.
And when we love like Christ, we don’t just grow… we bear fruit.
Action Steps You Can Take Today:
Think: Who in your life needs a little more love or attention?
Connect: Reach out. A phone call, a hug, a text — it matters.
Serve: Show up in your community. Somebody needs you.
Practice: Make kindness a habit, not a reaction.
FAQs
Q: How can caring for plants help with spiritual growth?
A: It teaches responsibility, patience, and what it means to nurture life — just like God does for us.
Q: What does the Bible say about caring for others?
A: It tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves and serve with compassion.
Q: How can I use plant care to help my relationships?
A: The same way a plant needs water and light, people need time, love, and attention.
Q: What are some simple ways to show love?
A: Listen. Be here. Help without being asked. Speak life.
Q: How do I balance self-care and caring for others?
A: Take care of yourself so you can pour into others from a full cup — not an empty one.
Final Word
Everything God created carries value. This includes not just the things we see growing outside. It also includes the quiet, overlooked things we choose to bring close. Whether it’s a houseplant or a human heart, what you choose to care for reflects who you really are.
So water what matters.
Nurture what God placed in your hands.
Don’t wait until something is dying to show it love.
Because love — real love — is proven in the dirt, not just in the sunshine.