Apple trees of different varieties must be planted nearby to be fruitful. Bees cross-pollenate these trees so both can produce fruit. A lone apple tree does not produce a crop.
Apple trees need each other and help each other to be fruitful. Like these trees, we need other people to make us fruitful and useful. They challenge, encourage, and help us in many ways.
Paul wrote to the Roman believers that he longed to see them so he could impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them, so that together they would be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. (See Romans 1:11-12)
Do you have someone in your life to encourage and strengthen you and your faith and that you encourage and strengthen in return? Paul found it vital for spiritual growth. Do you? Do we?
If you don’t have someone like this in your life, pray that God will draw you together with others to relate to. God made us social creatures and intended for us to help each other. If you already have someone like this, cultivate the friendship and don’t get distracted and neglectful.