[02/13/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 02/13/2010 (Edited some.)]
How do we measure love? Can it be done with a tape measure or yardstick? Can we place it on scales to determine its weight? Is there a means by which we could determine its mass?
In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, he mentioned his prayer for the Ephesians that they could fully know the love of Christ. We read. . .
“(17) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith — that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (19) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19 ESV)
Do we understand the breadth, length, height, and depth of the love made manifest in Christ? Though Paul’s prayer was for their strength to comprehend it, he stated it “surpasses knowledge”, so can it be fully comprehended or measured? Do we find it hard to fathom or wrap our mind around? Are we duly in awe of the greatness of His love for us? Is there any way those dimensions can be concisely pictured? Perhaps the best way is in view of our Lord’s own statement; that familiar and often quoted passage we find in the Gospel of John where we read. . .
“(16) For God so loved the world [the breadth of the purpose and reach of God’s love], that he gave his only Son [the length to which the Father would go], that whoever believes in him should not perish [the depth of our need to be responded to by a belief to be just as deep] but have eternal life [the height to which God’s love brings us].” (John 3:16 ESV)
God’s love is expansive. It encompasses far and wide. It is a weighty thing that adequately deals with the weightiest issue of life; the eternal salvation of our soul. May our life truly be “rooted and grounded” in that immense love.
Have a great day COMING TO GRIPS WITH THE GREATNESS OF GOD’S GRACIOUS LOVE!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)
