Friday, April 11 ~ Unifying Love
~~Ephesians 3:18-19
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.
~~When Paul wrote to the Ephesians he was in prison. He wanted them to know that he was not afraid to preach the gospel story even though he knew it was not allowed to be spoken without a serious consequence to include prison, or even death. He was so enthusiastic about telling everyone about the love and grace of Christ, he even preached, sang songs, and wrote letters while he was in prison. When we read Ephesians we can tell by Paul’s actions and words that in his circumstance he was calm and joyful to proclaim that love to everyone to include those who were imprisoned with him. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and full of grace. He wanted to let everyone know that he prayed for them all to be able to comprehend the innermost love of God through Jesus Christ to them.
We, as Christians, should take note of what Paul is saying to us in the year 2014. The message is the same now as it was then. For some Christians in this world, it is still a crime to proclaim the word. In our country, we should take heed to Paul’s word of the inner strength that comes from this love of Christ so that we might be bold and show that love, in kindness, to all our neighbors even when loving them is not easy at times. The love that comes from God is spiritual; the spark that gets the fire going. It’s the love that Jesus said was from the Father; is in Him and now it is in us. It is the comforter that comes when you need it the most that gives you the inner strength to face any obstacle or trial with confidence knowing that you have the power of the living God to bring you to the peace that passes all understanding. We must stay in love, as the body of Christ, to be able in hard times to sustain ourselves and others in circumstances that fall upon individuals or groups of people, remembering that we are one in the spirit, one in the Lord, embraced by the everlasting love and grace of God. Pass it on.
Gracious Father, hear this prayer for all of us proclaiming Christianity. That we may reflect your glory to all those we meet by showing love and being cheerful, gentle and kind. Let us help our neighbors near and far when there is a need. Let us not be judgmental by outward appearance and help us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Keep us unified in your everlasting love and peace. Amen.
Ruth Miller