Geranium

# Geranium

Geranium is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in bushes. The longer it is cultivated, the stems become woody and grow stronger and more durable. The average height of the plant is only about 40-50 centimeters, with succulent, cylindrical stems that grow upright. The leaves are large and broad, green in color, with serrated edges, and the upper surface of the leaves is rough with fine hairs, while the underside is smooth. Geranium comes in several common colors, primarily red, purple, and pink. The flowers have five petals of unequal sizes, arranged alternately around the stamens in the center. Geranium typically blooms from early spring and lasts through summer. This plant is popular not only because its flowers bloom beautifully and persistently, but also because it is rarely affected by pests and diseases. The English name for Geranium is commonly "Geranium," with the fuller names being Zonal Geranium or Garden Geranium. Geranium is also known by various other names such as Geranium Herb, Heavenly Bamboo Mallows, and so on. This flower originates from the Mediterranean region. The flower was first discovered in 1789 by scientists and botanists. Later, it became widespread and common in many countries around the world, including Vietnam.

Like most flowering plants, the role of flowers is to produce seeds. Those who grow flowers always wish for their plants to produce many flowers over a long period. They are more interested in having vibrant blooms than in collecting seeds. To achieve this goal, they remove withered flowers and wilted branches to help the flowering plant look neat and focused, directing its energy into producing more flowers rather than creating seeds, and to help prevent potential diseases from dying flowers. Additionally, flowering plants thrive well when watered daily with deep watering, regular fertilizing, and receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight.

Just like the Geranium plant, our spiritual life grows and becomes strong in God when we know how to remove evil things and nurture good things. Each day we must examine our hearts, our every thought and action, to see if they align with God's teaching. We must quickly remove, eliminate, and avoid everything that contradicts God's Word, as the apostle Paul warned God's people, "The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12). Time on earth passes quickly; the day of Christ's return is near. We must swiftly change according to God's righteous and holy path, escaping from "deeds of darkness" and putting on the "armor of light" that brings glory to His Name. "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" (Colossians 3:9-10). We are a chosen generation, redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must "put off the old self with its practices"—our sinful nature—and must "put on the new self"—the one who has been cleansed of sin and sanctified daily—so that we increasingly resemble "the image of [our] Creator."

Jesus reminded His disciples that they must remain in Him and bear fruit, produce good fruit, fruit of the Holy Spirit. If we do not bear fruit and produce good fruit, He will prune and cut away so that the remaining branches may bear even more fruit, just like the Geranium plant, which must have its withered flowers and wilted branches removed so that it produces more flowers and helps bring freshness to life. The Lord said, "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2); "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 15:6). We do not wish to become withered branches cast away from the body of Christ. We must truly change from within outward, must mature, and bear good fruit for God's Kingdom, so that we may draw closer to God with each passing day. Surely, God will be pleased and grant us new strength to walk steadfastly according to His will.

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). We pray that the Holy Spirit of God will strengthen us to cut away all sins, dead branches, withered flowers, and every evil thought in our hearts; that He will give us hearts that ever love and revere God, serving Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength, living a holy and pure life that glorifies His Name; that He will prune our lives to become trees bearing good fruit, fruit of the Holy Spirit, faithfully fulfilling the work God has entrusted to us, and proclaiming the Gospel of salvation to all peoples, from now until the day of Christ's return! Amen!

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*Geranium, we must prune and remove,* *We must cut away the withered and faded branches,* *Then the flowers will bloom more beautifully,* *Living long and blooming abundantly in joy!* *We follow the Lord, never retreating, never despairing,* *We must cleanse our hearts and strive to remove* *Every evil thing and deed,* *Living a holy and pure life, praising His Name!* *The day is near, act now, do not delay,* *The night is far spent, the Lord comes unexpectedly,* *Quickly wash away all filth and defilement,* *Put on the new garment and worship the Lord alone!*

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