So on last week’s blog post (shameless plug), I discussed God’s plan for these last days. Loving our neighbor and exercising our authorities as believers are key components of that plan. Some of those things may seem beyond our capacity. How can I love my neighbor when they offend me? How can I be a light at my job when my boss is a tyrant? There is a secret element that makes all this possible. It is the Holy Spirit which gives us inner strength.
Paul describes this process with such beautiful imagery. First, Jesus comes and makes His home in our hearts as a result of putting our trust in Him. Making Himself at home implies a level of comfort-ability that can only come with trust. Being fully known requires complete vulnerability with the other person because you allow them close enough to hurt you. But there is no risk of being hurt by Jesus. As you grow closer to Him, your roots become anchored in His love for you. Your faith is unshakable because of your roots. Even when difficult things arise, you can trust He will come through because you are acquainted with Him deeply. This security brings confidence, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
Now, it’s one thing to know from a cognitive perspective that God loves you. It’s another thing to experience His love in your life. In Ephesians, the word “understand” essentially means “to experience, to seize, to possess”. Paul states that he wishes we could experience the fullness of God’s love. But I find it interesting that in the very next sentence, he says it’s too great to fully experience. Isn’t that awesome!!! God’s love for us is so immense, so deep, so strong that we’ll never fully understand it this side of heaven. May I submit to you that we are to be in constant pursuit of His love? Our hearts should desire a deeper relationship with Him. If we get closer to Him, then we grow stronger. Out of this strength, we are able to overflow onto a hurting world.
So, ask yourself a question. Is Jesus at home in your heart? Are you so in love with Him that you are constantly pursuing a relationship with Him? Seek out ways to grow closer to God. As you learn more of Him, you will grow confident in who He’s called you to become.
Be encouraged! :)
Written by Christa Martina
FB: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Ephesians 3: 16-19 (NLT) “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
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