"Then Christ will live in your hearts because you believe in him. And I pray that your love will have deep roots. I pray that it will have a strong foundation. May you have power with all God's people to understand Christ's love. May you know how wide and long and high and deep it is. And may you know his love, even though it can't be known completely. Then you will be filled with everything God has for you." (Ephesians 3:17-19)

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, we hear that to know and be rooted in Christ's love, is to more fully be the people God has created and is calling us to be. We are empowered to be the best versions of ourselves. This passage reminds me of our call to pass on this message to the all children, youth and adults in our church as they are on their faith journey.

A couple of years ago, I spent a season studying Ephesians with our Senior Adult Bible Study. The time spent with that group studying Paul's letter to the Ephesians was deeply meaningful to me. This letter from Paul and his message to us is a helpful reminder to me that each one of us has the opportunity to help others experience the width, length, height and depth of God's love.

What can you do to share God's love that is deeply rooted in you? Who has been a teacher or mentor along the way for you? What did they do that made an impact on your journey?

In a world where the pressure to succeed is high and many hear that they are only loved for as much as they can perform, Paul's reminder to us is even more relevant. In a country that can be divided and polarized in an election and pandemic, Paul's reminder to us is even more imperative. We are called to share that God's love is unconditional and far exceeds the limits of this earth.

A small example of this love was evident to me yesterday. I received a message and pictures from Will's teacher. The class has been working on weekly challenges and some of the class had completed all 9 for the first quarter of the school year. Rather than have just 6 of the children enjoy their popsicle reward, these generous students decided to share with their entire class. The smiles on their faces enjoying a sweet treat brought such joy to my heart to see the love that these friends have developed over the past year and a half (Will's class had the special privilege of staying together with their teacher from kindergarten to 1^st grade).

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, Thank you for your gift of love. Help us to be open to experience your love and allow it to take root in our lives. In Christ's Name, Amen.