When my kids were young, we would always play the game, “I love you this much.” I would start by telling them I love them as far as my arms could spread apart. They would reply that they loved me to infinity and beyond. It would go on and on until we ran out of things we could say. It makes me think that no matter how much I love my children that is shallow compared to the love God has for us. We can’t comprehend God’s love.
Ephesians 3:17-18
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—”
God’s Love Knows No Bounds
The Apostle Paul is trying to show the Ephesians how great the love of the Lord is. We can’t comprehend God’s love for us. It is higher than we can reach, and it goes deeper than we can plumb. It completely envelopes us and never runs out. When Christ dwells in our hearts, we start to experience the all-consuming love He has for us.
Rooted and Grounded
Trees that survive the storms are the ones who have a deep root system, and the ground that is around it is firm. Are you rooted and grounded in God’s love? Not the passionate, romantic love we see in the movies, but the Agape love of Jesus that is unconditional. In a world that specializes in reciprocal love, Jesus showed his love to us by giving up his life. How do you become rooted and grounded? This comes by receiving His love and then returning it to Him and others. That is shown through our service, compassion, and forgiveness. The more that we show these, the deeper our roots go.
Go Deeper with Jesus
As our root system deepens, we start to experience the love of the Lord in a new way. No longer and we satisfied with the nominal acts that people show. We want depth in our relationship with Jesus, and we seek to know Him more. He requests that we give more of ourselves, to the point where we are entirely poured out like a drink offering. It is here where we truly see the depths and heights of God’s great love.