May 12th, 2005

[.se3ker.]

Paul wrote, "I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

-Ephesians 3:18-19 (NRSV)

LOVE changes us. We can spot those who have begun a new romance by their smiles, their increased energy, and the way they talk constantly about the new love in their lives. On the spiritual level, Paul realized the power of loving and being loved. He knew that the secret of effective evangelism for the Christians in Ephesus was that they continually experience how much they were loved by God. The same is true for us today. If we understand the width, length, height, and depth of God's love for us, there is nothing we cannot do.

We show our love for others in many ways, some small and some more significant. But God didn't show us love by giving us a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates; God showed us love by giving us Jesus Christ to die on a cross. That's how much God loves us. When our roots sink into this love, we are strengthened and God's love shows in our actions. We are changed.

Graham Horsley (Middlesex, England)

Prayer:

Lord, help us to feel the wonder and depth of your love. Then help us to love everyone we meet as much as you love us. Amen.