At the beginning of Luke 17, the disciples are incredulous regarding Christ's relational expectations. He says in verse 4, "If your brother sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent', forgive him." To that the disciples say, "Lord, increase our faith!" To which Jesus responds, "If you have faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted into the sea;' and it would obey you."
Mulberry trees are unusual. In one growing season, a mature tree can produce fruit in the thousands with at least 50 seeds in each. Combine that with its quick growth and hearty endurance, one can see why this metaphor of abundant resentment must be rooted out.
Application: If there is somebody with whom you have aught, use the mustard seed faith & forgive, before your heart becomes a virtual Mulberry tree forest. As you do, you will have the privilege of witnessing the tree of bitterness fly out of the garden of your soul as if it sprouted wings. Live right, live well…
