BEING LOVED
25th Jun 2014
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians contains some of the most significant truths of our Christian faith. We read that God chose us before the world began, it was not our idea that brought us to a living relationship with Jesus, but God’s! We learn that we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, and given a Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Paul explains how it is God’s grace that has saved us, which has in no way be achieved by any effort from us. We discover that God has raised us up and seated us in the heavenly realms far above all powers that would seek to defeat us. We can rejoice that we have been united with other believers of all races to become a dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
This is all great stuff, but as Paul comes to the end of this discourse, he prays a prayer, the central theme of which says, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)
To be loved unconditionally is the deepest need of the human heart. As I was reading these verses recently, it struck me that “being loved” is what we all crave, and which I believe was in the heart of Paul as he wrote this letter.
To be part of a loving, forgiving, and affirming family is a priceless gift, however, God’s love is the greatest love we can ever know, His love never lets us down. Paul declared it was wide, long, high and deep, which as far as I can understand means that whatever is going on in your life God’s love for you is unwavering.
John wrote, “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) God’s love for us is our bedrock. When you are going through times of loneliness, anxiety and despair, be assured that “being loved” by God will heal you, strengthen you and restore you.
by Charles Sibthorpe
