Others

Plants can recognize family. At least some of them can. It’s interesting to find their root systems interact in some methodology that allows growth spurts when the same plants from a different seed source are introduced. The CNN article explains a bit more of the how they send out more roots, more quickly, to obtain more nutrients than when plants from the same source are nearby.

The researchers found that “when sibling plants grow next to each other, their leaves will often touch and intertwine, while stranger plants near each other grow rigidly upright and avoid touching …”

Like humans, they are prone to look out for themselves and close relatives, to the detriment of others.

We, however, have been taught differently.

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12 KJV)

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31 KJV)

Christians are not alone in this teaching. Wikipedia gives examples from ancient cultures and modern religions. Yet, we do not live by this Golden Rule, do we?

Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23-24 KJV)

Since my body is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV), as I have Him in my heart, soul and mind, when I go to Him in prayer, I must be reconciled with those with whom I am at odds. It should not matter “Who started it?” Whatever the differences, the one who knows what should be done must do so.

There are times when peace cannot be made. The other person is not looking for a right relationship with God, much less with us. Yet, our effort must be made for our concern is our own relationship with God. The scripture says when we come to the altar, not when they do.

Four times in John alone we are told what is contained in this one command:

These things I command you, that ye love one another. (John 15:17 KJV)

Plants look out for their siblings. We’ve been asked to do better:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:43-44 KJV)

That command is so hard to follow. We’ve been hurt by others. At least Christ explains further:

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? (Matthew 5:46-47 KJV)