Page 205 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson

RADICAL LOVE

it is full of juicy, sweet seeds. As part of our journey to Christian

maturity, we will be led to enter into many (hence the use of the word
“orchard”) bitter experiences in our lives.

Michael Molino, in his book The Spiritual Guide, writes:

“A great deal of suffering awaits us if we follow the Lord as we

should.”

And this has certainly been my own personal experience. However,
there is a wonderful flip side to the trials and challenges we face: the

abundance of the Holy Spirit’s overcoming strength, fruit, and power
that we bear. As we yield to the work of the Cross in our lives, there

will be a bountiful harvest—the first-fruits of which are for the delight
of the Lord, because it is His work of grace within us that has produced

these fruits. He will then use the remainder for the benefit of those He

brings across our path.

Notice also how the plants and spices being referred to are not just

common varieties found in every green space. They are exotic, fragrant,
and out of the ordinary.

Recently, as I was sprinkling cinnamon on my cappuccino, I read these

words on the back of the packet:

“The word ‘spice’ comes from a Latin word meaning ‘special.’ Ancient

spices were once so highly prized that wars were fought over them.”

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