Lessons Learned from the Primroses
I was weeding my flower garden when I noticed the primrose patch had expanded and was without weeds. What was their secret?
Digging a little deeper, I found they were a tight-knit group. Plants grew side by side, roots thickly intertwined. Sprouts filled in empty spaces and extended the circle.
Primroses reminded me of the early church. In the turbulent days after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the believers were tightly connected. Acts 4 tells us they were of one heart and soul. Not only did they have a common vision, but even their belongings were shared to meet the needs of everyone.
The first Christ-followers were focused as they worshipped together, prayed for, and encouraged one another. They told their story boldly. Jesus had rescued them from sin and darkness. They welcomed others into the family, and their numbers grew daily.
What about us? What lessons can we learn from the primroses and the early church?
Share the vision. Flowers bloom and believers focus on Jesus because He is the way, the truth, the life. (Jn. 14:6)
Stand together. Link arms with fellow believers to grow deep roots of faith and hold one another accountable. (Col. 3:16)
Circle up. Like the wagon trains of yesteryear, circle up to guard your hearts against the enemy. (I Pet. 5:8)
Take care of the needy. When we are gifted with extra blessings—food, clothing, money, time—we should use them to bless others. (Lk. 3:11)
Pray for one another. We are encouraged to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (I Thes. 5:17, Gal. 6:2)
Forgive. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
Treat each other in love. The fruits of the spirit instruct us to treat one another with love, compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience. (Col. 3:12)
Tell the story. Flowers serve their created purpose, glorifying God with brilliant splendor. We need to bloom where we are planted and tell the story of what Jesus has done for us. (Matt. 28:19)
The lessons I learned from primroses and the early church remind me we were created for community. We need Jesus, and we need each other.
Ruth Schmeckpeper, a Wisconsin author, speaker, and teacher, writes fiction to encourage women in their faith. Ruth loves writing the stories of her heart, sharing the outdoors with her family, and snuggling with a book. For monthly devotions, reading recommendations, and stories, sign up at RuthSchmeckpeper.com.
