Word for the day by Christian education forum

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Rooted and Grounded in Love

Bible Reading:  Ephesians 3:14-19

Key Verse:  19

V 19 “The love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”

DEVOTION

Love is central to the Christian faith. In this passage, Paul is praying that we should be able to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.  Paul begins to pray that the Church will be “rooted and grounded in love”. Love is the foundation by which the Church stands. We should extend our love to Jews, Gentiles, men and women, young and old, black and white.
The substance of what Paul prays falls into three requests: Paul’s first request is for strengthening with power. It begins with an affirmation of God’s ability to hear and answer our prayers. He prays for the power that will strengthen his faith, “so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.” Such power comes from the Holy Spirit who dwells within our inner being. 
 Paul’s second prayer request is that we might somehow be able to grasp the extent of God’s love. God’s love surpasses our knowledge and understanding. Unless we have love and are loved, we cannot understand God’s love. If our love is shallow and shaky (not “rooted and grounded”) we will not be able to understand the love of Christ. 
 The final request is that we might be filled with love of God to the degree of fullness of God.   By the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, those who have Christ dwelling in their hearts through faith can grasp the love of Christ in their experience.  God’s ultimate intent is to restore us all to the full glory of the image of God. If we are truly full, it will overflow into the relationship around us. 
So, dear friends, as we strive to grow strong in our inner being, let Christ dwell in our heart and let us be filled with all the fullness of God.

PRAYER

God, fill me with your unconditional love and empower me to love others just as you have loved me. Amen.

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Are you willing to say to the Lord, “Lord, fill me up with your love, so that my life is all you and none of me?”


Samuel K. Samuel
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, New York

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