Faith Growth Lessons from Our Lemongrass

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

We thought our lemongrass wouldn’t make it (see the brown stems on the upper right portion), as the colour indicates it is nearly dying.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is easy to grow in the tropical Philippines. Its lemon-like scent makes it a good herb for cooking and medicine.

Growing plants on New Zealand’s South Island is challenging due to the four seasons. They cannot survive the winter unless you have a hot house, so we plant them in pots and bring them indoors when the cold season arrives.

Our lemongrass has remained in this condition since July 2024 (see the image above).

However, we continued caring for it even if only a few brown stems existed. We watered and fertilised the soil regularly. We never gave up caring for the plant.

A few days ago, I noticed the green stem (left portion) breaking through. Our lemongrass is alive and growing. Thank you, Lord!

Our lemongrass’s revival is an excellent illustration of Galatians 6:9 and our work for the Lord.

Sometimes, we think and see nothing is happening, but we must not give up on the good things we do because the results will eventually manifest.

Like the lemongrass, we saw the wilted brown leaves, but we could not see that the roots were still alive and growing.

Maintaining our regular gardening care depends not on visible signs but on the roots’ health. Ultimately, a new leaf appeared, indicating that our lemongrass is alive and thriving.

Writing on the theme of doing good to all, the Apostle Paul begins Galatians 6 with a verse on restoring people.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted (Galatians 6:1).

I learned that restoration cannot be rushed or pushed. It is all under God’s terms and in God’s time.

Based on Galatians 6:1-10, restoration or revival is a process that involves a myriad of actions and characteristics.

1. Restore gently (Galatians 6:1)
2. Watch yourselves (Galatians 6:1)
3. Carry each other’s burden (Galatians 6:2)
4. Think genuinely or truthfully about yourself (Galatians 6:3)
5. Test your actions (Galatians 6:4)
6. Carry your load (Galatians 6:5)
7. Share good things (Galatians 6:6)
8. Be sincere, for God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7-8)
9. Do not give up doing good (Galatians 6:9)
10. Do good to all (Galatians 6:10)

Let us never tire of doing good despite not seeing results because, in the proper time, we will reap the harvest if we don’t give up.

To God be the glory!