If one is familiar with the geography of Israel, one will know that there are two major bodies of water bordering the eastern boundary.  The Sea of Galilee lies in the northeast, and the Jordan River flows from it southward into the Dead Sea.  Recall that some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen at the Sea of Galilee.  Even today, the area is an ideal location for fishing, as it is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world.  The lands around the lake are very alive and rich.  On the other hand, the Dead Sea can be described merely by its name.  Fish cannot survive in its waters and the land around is desolate and dry.  Being the lowest elevation point on earth and containing the highest natural salt concentration, this unique body of water has created much talk by slowly shrinking over the years.  Within these two bodies of water, a lesson can be discovered.

The Sea of Galilee gets its water from the Lebanese mountains to the north, and in turn it passes water into the Jordan River.  The Dead Sea receives water from the Jordan River, but the water stays there.  The Sea of Galilee remains an abundant fishing site, but the Dead Sea is constantly drying up.  Evaporation is the only way water escapes from the Dead Sea, so its salt intake is continuously increasing, making it increasingly difficult for life to survive.

The Sea of Galilee should be the example to follow.  God has given us so much gifts and talents, and our response should be to pass them on.  We need to serve those around us with what we are given.  We love because God has loved us, and we forgive because God has forgiven us.  Not doing so, in a sense, would equate us with the Dead Sea.