The Love of Christ

"that you may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Eph 3:18)

Paul wants us to know "the love of Christ" - a love that "surpasses knowledge". "this is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:10) "the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me." (Gal 2:20)

Our nature before we know the love of God is a nature of selfishness, pride and rebellion. God came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ to cleanse us from our sins (Isaiah 53:5) making us "white as snow." (Psalm 51:7) "It is by grace you have been saved". (Eph 2:8) We are changed by God's unmerited, undeserved favor (grace) and his amazing love. We are chosen (Eph 1:4), redeemed (1:7,) sealed with the Holy Spirit (1:13), made alive with Christ (2:5), and put back in to right relationship with God. This is "the love of Christ".

So how does one "grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love of Christ"? WE CHOOSE HIM. Through faith, we come boldly to the throne to receive. We come helpless and empty and ask him to "open the eyes of our heart" (Eph 1:18). We receive God by faith. Active faith is a commitment of mind and heart. We ask him to "strengthen us with his power through his spirit in our inner being (3:16). We pray that he fill us "to the measure of all the fullness of God" (3:19). We come with open arms receiving God's gift through faith. God's love is unending and those who open their lives to it will be filled. Those who open their arms and receive love are forever blessed. They will not only receive God's love; they will become love-bearers themselves.

Father God, you are love. Thank you for loving us. While we were living in the ways of this world, your great love chose us. Today we choose to come to you as little children. Our hearts open to receive. We desire to know the depth of your unending love. A love that can only be found through faith. We submit our mind, spirit and body to you, O Lord. Your love cleanses us and gives us new life. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we might know you and your indescribable gift of love. We come boldly, yet humbly to your throne in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ who loved us and came to make us white as snow. Who came to shine your love and grace in our hearts. Amen