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“Trees Help Us Show Love for God and Our Neighbor”

We’re nearing the end of our devotional journey together, so it’s time we pulled together the lessons trees teach us, using the Great Commandment.

First, how do trees in Scripture teach us to love God?

Scripture’s property law is laid out clearly in Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (NIV). This means that everything we own, including every tree on the earth, does not really belong to us. Every leaf on every tree, bush, vine, or shrub belongs to God, its creator. 

God has allowed us to be tenants for three score and ten years. But the earth is on loan. We are tasked with passing it on to the next tenants—our children and our children’s children—in good condition or even better condition than we found it.

One of the simplest and most direct ways we can pass along God’s good earth in better condition than we received it is to plant trees. By planting and caring for trees, we show our loving respect for their rightful owner, the Lord Almighty.

The second half of the Great Commandment is to love one’s neighbors. How do trees help us love our neighbors?

Let’s say, for example, that you and your family decide to work with residents of a poor neighborhood to plant trees along the area’s streets. Now let’s count the ways the simple act of planting trees helps us express your love for others. Planting trees will produce loving fruit by

· lowering energy costs

· ensuring better water quality

· increasing property values

· reducing crime rates

· producing cleaner air

· providing shade

· creating beauty

Imagine if you also planted fruit orchards in urban empty lots, planted shade trees around playgrounds, or placed benches under peaceful groves on your church grounds where anyone would be welcome to sit and pray. The fruit of such practical, hands-on love could be harvested for generations to come.

By definition, planting a tree is the only thing you can do in your own backyard that makes the whole world better. As a historical church leader is credited with saying, “If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant a tree.”

Today (or at least within the week) plant a tree. And figure out a way to make it a habit.

 If you enjoyed this 5-day devotional from Matthew Sleeth, be sure to check out Matthew's book, Reforesting Faith. For an opportunity to receive a complimentary book, please click here  .