Easter lilies are undeniably beautiful, lovely, and very fragrant. On Easter Sunday, they often adorn our churches for obvious reasons. You see them in the foyers, on the stage, in the windows, and beside the church pews. One Easter Sunday, the Easter lilies taught me a valuable lesson, though it might not be what you expect. Let me explain.

That particular year, the person who decorated our church sanctuary thought it would be lovely to place Easter lilies down the aisle by every other pew. It was indeed pretty to look at, but it wasn’t good for everyone. Our saxophone player arrived to find her pew adorned with these lovely, fragrant blossoms to which she was allergic. Though they were beautiful, they were not good for her. They physically upset her body and caused unwanted and adverse reactions. This got me thinking. There are things in life that are good for some but not for others. Things like certain foods, such as nuts, or other allergies, as well as certain situations and common practices.

We are all unique, with diverse needs, weaknesses, and challenges. We cannot assume that because something is good for me or you, it will be good for everyone. We need to live with this awareness as we go through life. The Bible tells us to be concerned about each other, not just our own needs. We should be mindful of the weaknesses or areas of sensitivity that others have—these are their burdens to bear. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” In 1 John, we are admonished to love not in word only, but in deed and truth. So, we should be considerate of each other’s needs according to scripture and show love by caring not simply for your own needs, but for those of others.

With my friend, we simply moved the lilies away from her pew. Sometimes, it can be as simple as that. Perhaps for others who have fought for sobriety, we should put away any alcohol in our homes when they visit. There are still people with certain dietary or religious preferences, and we can accommodate them. We should not demand that they conform to us or that they evolve enough in their faith to abandon these preferences. It’s not our job to transform people—that’s God’s job. Like us they may have weaknesses we will have to account for their entire life. They should not be required to change or adapt. Our job is to love them as they are. We are to consider others above ourselves. Galatians 6 tells us, “Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due time you will reap if you do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

So, let’s consider lilies in a new way. What are the lilies in the lives of those around you? How can you live in a way that considers the burdens and needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, even if they are different from your own? Understand that we are all fearfully, wonderfully, and uniquely made. That is the beauty of God’s love—it sees us all in our uniqueness, loves us, and meets us at the point of our individual needs. Why? To unify and bring us together as one body. So, I challenge you today: consider the lilies.