Symbiosis

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There is an agricultural method that the natives of America used in barren lands. It is the Three Sisters. Native Americans planted maize (corn) with beans and squash. This is because the three crops have much higher yields and better taste and quality than when one crop is planted.

The principle is simple. The corn has a sturdy stem, allowing squash and beans to climb up on it, and the beans inhale nitrogen from the air and send it to the roots, providing excellent natural fertilizer to the corn, which requires a lot of manure, as well as to the squash. The squash covers the ground with its large leaves so that the soil does not dry out and blocks the sunlight that enables weeds to grow. The natives call corn, squash, and beans “three sisters” as they help each other grow well like good sisters.

In a symbiotic relationship, there is no case in which only one entirely gives or receives a help. What is enough is shared and what runs short is filled up; they help each other. This must be the attitude that the brothers and sisters of Zion, who will enjoy eternal life together, should learn.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! . . . For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Ps 133:1–3