A careful look at the effort a gardener makes to raise a plant into growth would reveal the art of nurturing and the pain involved in making someone into a mature Christian. Paul narrates the efforts he takes to present anyone as perfect in Christ in his epistle: “It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." (Col 1:28) Proclaiming, correcting and educating further are the steps he takes as a part of disciplined training to raise anyone into a mature Christian. And this process is compared to labor pains by Paul in another letter: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” (Gal 4:19) May we thank and praise God for His servants taking upon the serious duty of raising His children into spiritual maturity and yielding the good fruits that He desires.

Abba, Thank You for perfecting us using your laborers and nurturing us into the disciples of Christ. Let Your Spirit make us receive the instructions and admonitions properly, In Jesus’ Most Perfect Name, Amen.