Text: Ephesians 3.16-19
It’s often much easier to give a gift than to receive it, especially when the gift is extravagant or expensive. Things like pride, shame, and embarrassment can make receiving such a gift almost unbearable.
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul prays for his friends that they would “have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3.18). Interestingly, Paul prayed for power, which leads to understanding of Christ’s love. He prays this because receiving God’s love is not easy.
God expresses his love for us by making us new in the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But this demands that we see and own our mistakes and run to his arms for restoration and redemption. Receiving God’s love requires humility and steadfastness, although it’s often easier to hide behind a wall of self-sufficiency and moral platitudes.
God’s blessings in our lives begin by understanding and receiving his love. When we do, our words carry life, our love has weight, and our worship has a fire fueled by the very love of God himself. Conversely, without receiving and reveling in God’s love through Jesus, we’re a tree without fruit: we look like a Christian, but without the blessings and benefits.
Today, as you consider how you receive God’s love for you, take a moment to read this blog post from Kristi Huseby, who serves on staff at Ada Bible Church. Use this post to learn how to receive the extravagant love of God and live vibrantly in his mercy.
