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––to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (NKJV)
As I’ve travelled around the world, I’ve met brilliant people who know God’s Word backwards and forwards. Some of these people were wonderful and radiated the joy of the Lord. However, others seemed to exude the opposite of joy.
At first, I wondered how this could be possible considering the amount of time they spent in God’s Word. Then I came to a revelation: it doesn’t matter how much you know about someone, it’s actually knowing them that makes a difference.
As Sally’s husband, I wouldn’t be happy to only have a room full of books about her. I want to know her, grow with her and experience life together. That’s how we need to look at Jesus.
Paul prayed a beautiful prayer in Ephesians 3. The end of this prayer says that when we begin to recognize how much we’re loved by God, then we experience exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (v. 20).
We often pull back, expecting God will judge our behaviour before loving and blessing us, but His love is unconditional. You can always expect love and acceptance from God, just as little toddlers expect love and affection from their parents and grandparents no matter how many times they’ve messed up.
Take another look at Paul’s prayer in today’s verses, and consider praying it over yourself every day. Ask God to help you become rooted and grounded in His love for you. His blessings are yours!