BLOSSOM OF THE HEART

The Rose is a perennial flowering shrub or vine of the Genus Rosa, within the family known as Rosaceae, which contains over 100 species. They are form a group of erect shrubs, climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp thorns. The plants fleshy edible fruit is called Rose-Hips. The flower is delicate and must be handled with care. The thorns serve as a form of defensive weapon for the plant. This plant produces a flower that is renowned for its scent and beauty making it one of the most desirous and sought after flowers in the world. In addition the rose has many other uses among which are the following: The fruit is edible, essential oil is extracted from the flower and used in the manufacture of perfumes, Rose-water is made from the oil and used in cuisine, Rose-Hips are used to make jams, jellies, syrups, marmalades and teas as they are very rich in Vitamin C. The Rose-hip is also used to produce Rose-hip Seed oil which is used in skin products. The rose is a kind of deciduous plant which makes it rather seasonal. Because of the demand for the flower and other uses of the plant, Horticulturists have altered the genetics of the Rose plants developing hybrids and plants that produce all year round. The Rose which is a symbol of beauty is also a necessary compliment to the resources provided by God for man, animals, birds and insects.  Mankind bears some daunting and striking characteristics in similarity to the rose plant. Although the plant is full of sharp thorns, it has a very powerful attraction in its flower and fruit, making it irresistible for man, animals, birds and insects. Like the Rose we are among the most beautiful of God’s creation; irresistible, desirous and sought after in many ways. We are temperamental and seasonal in our ways, but extremely useful to each other and serve to compliment the resources God has provided for man, animals, birds and insects in ways that we often are not able to fully understand. Just like the rose plant we are full of thorns with the most beautiful flower and the ability to bear good fruit; and must also be handled with care. Quite often our thorns stand out for all to see with many been pricked by them; while our flower remains hidden deep in our hearts. To rebuke, correct, admonish or in any way displease us is just about enough for one to get pricked by our main thorn the Tongue; and in many instances physical injury may be added to complete the repulse. Like the rose plant we need the time and circumstances to be right for us to bloom. While the rose displays its blossom so all can clearly see, our blossom is often dormant and will only come forth when our heart is right. THE BLOSSOM OF THE HEART is LOVE. When the heart blooms, Love covers our multitude of sin, presenting us as without blemish. The rose plant must flower for it to bear fruit. Man must love for him to bear good fruit. Man may go on for a season and never blossom, but he cannot inherit Eternal Life without love. God so loved us that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it; but that the world through him might be saved. Love is from God, is of God and God is love.  True Love attracts all and brings us into a closer relationship with God. The Scripture tells us that: Many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown it. If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned (Song of Solomon 8:7). God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Our Lord. We have this command from God to let our hearts blossom always: “Thou shall LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment and the second is namely this, thou shall LOVE thy neighbor as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31). Furthermore we have this assurance from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that if we let our hearts blossom always, loving each other, our joy will be full: “If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that you LOVE one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:10-13). Jeremiah also testified: “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3).

God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Now abides faith, hope and love, these three are great and necessary in man’s relationship with God; but the greatest of these is LOVE. Beloved: we would be of much greater attraction if we would only let our hearts blossom more, letting it bloom always for all to see and experience our Love. May our Hearts blossom continuously, that like the flower of the rose plant which attracts many; the flower of our Hearts: our Love may attract a great many souls to the Abundant Life which can only be found in Christ Jesus. LOVE is the FLOWER of the Heart: show yours. Love you always with the love of the Lord.  Be blessed

W. Bennett

W. Bennett