From the midst of a dark, cold jail cell; Paul is writing to the early church. A church that he knew would be persecuted. Even more so, the church which Paul was preaching too were the Gentiles—those who were by the Jewish nation considered the lowest of the low—the heathens. So, imprisoned for his faith in Christ, beaten and flogged for having preached the gospel; Paul has eloquently been telling early believers to remember who they are in Christ. They are the redeemed, beloved, chosen children of the most high God. He has urged them to remember these truths as they were going to need to cling tight to those facts while they are being rejected and persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. He reminded them that it was God’s plan from before the earth was formed that the body of believers would include them—called out from the gentiles as well as the Jews and these former enemies would be joined in the formation of the “church” of believers that would now spread the gospel of Christ.
Artwork is used with written permission of Ronald Barba who owns the copyright. His work can be found at: http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Then from the midst of that jail cell, Paul prayed for these believers a prayer that they be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. He knew that they would be facing so much unrest, injustice, and ostracism that they would by nature grow bitter, angry and hostile in their response. Yet, Paul knowing the battle that might occur around them and within their own hearts; prays that they become so rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, that they are strengthened with hope. He prays to the only one who can perform this kind of miracle of love, which is God himself. Look at this prayer.
Ephesians 3 “14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
In this world, there will be battles surrounding us. We will at times be asked to suffer for the name of Christ. Some still are asked to die for the cause of Christ; yet, we are to respond with love, forgiveness, and grace. As the chosen, blessed, beloved, redeemed children of God; what else can we do but respond with love, forgiveness and grace? When we understand the breadth, the length, the depth and the height of love which Christ demonstrated on the cross in behalf of us who were the very ones who spit upon His face before we came to Him and even now, when we fail to see Him as our greatest treasure; how, can we not forgive and love those who have wronged us?
So what are the keys we need to to be able to respond in love to those who would destroy us in a world so filled with anger, hostility and bitterness? How can we be a beacon of joy and love to that world and spread the Gospel of Christ?
1. We must remember who we are in Christ? I urge you to go back and read the first three chapters of Ephesians.
2. Become rooted in the love of God with your roots digging so deep that the sap pours forth from every branch of your being with God’s love.
3. Let the Holy Spirit so fill your hearts to strengthen you with the only power that can accomplish this kind of love which is God Himself.
4. Remember that this lifetime is but a moment of time in comparison to the eternity we will spend with God.
5. Pray for world around us and make spreading the Gospel of Christ your greatest mission. He is the only hope for this world.
Listen to this song: Teach me to Love
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Artwork is used with written permission of Ronald Barba who owns the copyright. His work can be found at: http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”