14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
Reflection
- In the second half of the previous chapter, Paul looks at the salvation for the Gentiles. Through Christ’s dying on the cross, Gentiles and Jews are reconciled and became one in the new community – church. In this chapter, Paul explained that the goal of his ministry is to display God’s wisdom in bringing different peoples into a unified church (v1-13). Since God has blessed us so greatly, Paul prayed that believers (and all Christians) would comprehend fully the extent of God’s love for them (vv. 14-21).
- Paul repeatedly mentions “love” and “power” in this passage. He earnestly desired that God’s people be “rooted and established in love” in order that we have power “together with all the saints” to grasp and know the love of Christ (vv18-19). How can we grasp or understand love? By experiencing the width and length and height and depth of the love of Christ. What do you learn about power and love in these verses?
- The mark of a truly spiritual church is still, “See how they love one another.” With today’s passage in mind, pray for your church that you, as a church family, may bear the mark of “loving one another” and may experience deeply the love of Christ.
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv16-18 only.)
Read the following and discuss how each of you can be Jesus’ hand, feet, eye, etc. to show God’s love to people around you, or in your community.
“Christ has no body now on earth but yours;
Yours are the only hands with which He can do His work,
Yours are the only feet with which He can go about the world,
Yours are the only eyes through which His compassion can shine forth upon a troubled world,
Christ has no body now on earth but yours” – Teresa of Avila
Proverbs for Today 21:21-24
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty
and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
who acts with arrogant pride.