Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21 comes at a crucial point within his letter to the church. Right after describing to them the beautiful way God has brought new creation into the world and right before he starts telling them who they are to be now that God has done so, he prays that they might first receive the gift of God and that this gift would root them in love.
It's difficult to receive unearned gifts. It can too often feel undeserved or perpetuating the "handout culture" that we've been taught is unhealthy. But God's gift of Himself is no handout. It comes within the relationship of a Father to His children, who don't need to earn His love before He shows them love. As challenging as it is to receive from God, our rejection of His gift is a far greater affront to Him. He wants us to be with Him, desires us to be part of His family, delights in knowing that His Spirit dwells within us.
What keeps us from accepting or receiving God's gift to us? Is that a faithful or unfaithful response to what God, our Father, offers us, His children?
Life, politics, society--these things won't always go the way we hope or expect. What posture might the Church take if "being rooted and grounded in love" is Paul's prayerful expectation for us, regardless of circumstance?
God wants to accomplish "abundantly far more than all we ask or imagine" in us, His Church. What do you ask for or imagine when it comes to our church? Our community? Your family?
Let us prayerfully reflect on these questions, both as individuals and as a community, so that God's Word might shape us into the community He desires.
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