Many times, I have ended a conversation with some fellow Christian by saying, “I’ll pray for you, and you pray for me.” As you might guess, these words have come at the end of talks in which we’ve shared our problems with one another. And I’ve prayed for these folks, just as I’m sure they’ve prayed for me.

This reminds me of an illustration involving the massive Sequoia trees of California’s Sequoia National Park. Even though these trees can reach heights of almost 300 feet, they don’t have tap roots and their root systems are unusually shallow. Rather than penetrating deep down into the ground, their roots spiderweb out in all directions in an effort to capture the greatest amount of surface moisture.

So, why don’t these exceedingly tall trees get blown down by high winds? It’s because the trees typically grow in clusters that allow their roots to intertwine. In other words, the trees support one another.

As we study the New Testament, it isn’t hard to understand that God wants Christians to support one another as well. One of the most straightforward thoughts on the whole subject can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, where Paul says to the Christians of Thessalonica:

…comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (N.K.J.V.)

Today, Christian, if you find yourself troubled or hurting over a situation, don’t hesitate to talk things over with a trusted Christian friend. Allow that fellow Christian to minister to you by listening, encouraging, and even offering counsel. Likewise, if a fellow Christian wants to talk to you about something that is going on in his or her life, give that conversation your full attention and make a concerted effort to minister to that Christian. Who knows what a profound effect these conversations might have? After all, even the mighty Sequoia trees thrive from a support system that depends on other trees.