MESSAGE FROM PASTORS JAMES & REBECCA OTITOJU

 

16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ~Ephesians 3:16-19~ NKJV

Think about this for a minute – Christians are to be rooted and grounded in love. Paul says: “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:14-19). (English Standard Version)

This passage is one of the most incredible passages in the Bible.  Paul prays for two things: First: That they are granted strength in the inner man (spiritual man – heart) by Christ dwelling in their hearts through faith. Second: That by being rooted and grounded in love they are able to comprehend the love of Christ in order to be filled with all the fullness of God.

Webster Dictionary defines root as: “the underground part of a seed plant body . . . , functions as an organ of absorption, aeration, and food storage or as a means of anchorage and support . . .” The word translated “grounded” seems to have an architectural connotation representing a strong foundation, therefore, being grounded in the love of Christ is a challenge for us to ensure the basis of our faith’s foundation is Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-27).

What does Christ’s love toward mankind have to do with Christians being rooted and grounded in love? Having eternal life comes from the knowledge that Jesus first loved us and gave His life for us and said whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have Everlasting Life (John 3:16). If we understand the love of Christ, we will seek to know Him better and live in obedience to His commandments (I John 4:19; John 14:15; I John 5:3).

Now ask yourself: Have I been transplanted from the lust of the world to live in the love of Christ? How do I comprehend the love of Christ? Am I filled with the fullness of God? If you are not sure or answered “No,” begin today by reading the word of God, learning about the love of Christ that motivates us to love the Lord, and keeping His commands just as Jesus said. Surrender yourself and your will to Him. Remember we are the branches and He is the vine. We cannot bear good fruits unless we are rooted and grounded in Him; that is, we are to be firmly connected to Him, and the power of the Holy Spirit will establish us in His love.  What we are talking about here might seem impossible, but with our God, all things are possible. Take encouragement from this prophecy to Zerubbabel as the Lord is saying to you too that: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (personalize it and put your name in place of Zerubbabel): ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) NKJV.

Brethren, we are convinced that as we strive to surrender to God by allowing His Spirit to dwell in us, we would be rooted and grounded in His love.  Always remember that, He first loved us so that we can also love Him and one another. What is in your heart right now as you are reading this article, is it hatred or love? It is impossible for anyone to see what is in your heart, but our God does. Why not pray this prayer as the psalmist did: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” Psalm 19:14. Praise The Lord!!