I coach a high school color guard. The girls often will say, "Love you!" to one another. I believe they really mean what they say. They love the sense of belonging. They love the security of knowing

that when they get to school, someone will recognize and acknowledge them. They love knowing they have someone to hang with at lunch and someone with whom to share their latest news. As

they mature, their lives intertwine more and more and they begin to love each other at a deeper level. They aren't afraid to shelter each other from the storms of life. They love one another 

enough to be honest with each other,

to encourage their friends to pursue excellence, to accept one another for who they are and to seek to understand more than be understood. Rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus, the girls branch out in their relationships, demonstrating tremendous growth in loving one another - Brotherly love.

The girls teach me to be willing to embrace and experience relationships in the context of brotherly love. Brotherly love is a powerful outward reflection of a soul that is connected vitally to the taproot of Christ's love. Being strongly rooted in Christ brings health that allows us to branch out. How does your own tree look these days? Digging deeply into the fertile soil of God's love, truth and strength provides spiritual nourishment that makes it possible for you to provide greater shelter and support to the people He places in your life.