Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Knowledge-surpassing Love

I am still amazed to see God working in each of our lives today. I see some are constantly changing while some are either changing slowly or about the same. Some of us are struggling with God because God isn't giving up on them. I am so thankful to God for His wonderful grace and love. I see His love through some believers who truly loves God and the people around them.

Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, "..and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19 (niv) This was Paul's third request from the church (people) in Ephesus. He also ask the same request from all of us believers today!

His request is that the believers may know the dimensions of the knowledge-surpassing love of Christ. Did you see that!? "..knowledge-surpassing love.."! He prays that they may be "rooted and grounded in love." (Ephesians 3:17) Not superficial love but genuine. Christians shouldn't simply know God and His Word. Christians shouldn't "act" scholarly.

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 13:2 (niv)

Bingo! We are nothing without love. If we only have knowledge about God but no love for others around your life, we're nothing! If we meditate on His Word but have no regard for others, it means nothing to God!

Two words, "..rooted.." and "..grounded..". I learned something from the two.
  • "Rooted" refers to botany, to life.
  • "Grounded" refers to architecture, to stability.
This is for all the saints. If one isn't rooted and grounded in love, what then? Death! Like plants, its roots must go deep in the soil in order to grow and become a beautiful plant. In the same way, Christians must go deep in love (unselfishly, unconditionally, agape) in order to grow and become like Christ. Apostle Paul wants them to "..know this love (the love of Christ) that surpasses knowledge." The vast expanse of the love of Christ is the love of God Himself. From this launching pad we can begin to measure that which is immeasurable and to know that which passes knowledge.

The new year will be here in 31 days! It's really hard to believe that! I'm not talking about developing a resolution that tends to be broken. It's about cultivating our hearts. It's about increasing our love for the most reluctant person in the world. It's about throwing away our selfishness! It's about making relationships a top priority. It's about making time for God.

What does God want happening to us as His church?
What areas of my life do I need to work on and improve (in terms of relationships)?
What are things that I am the most stubborn about (hurts, hang-ups or habits)?
How can I be more and more like Christ?
What am I reflecting before the eyes of the world?
What can I do to be a more loving Christian?

I have been praying for some within His congregation at Fairfax and all others in the world who continues to mellow themselves away from the utmost potential God has for them. Only the Holy Spirit can lead a believer into this vast experience of the love of Christ. Since it is infinite, it is beyond human comprehension. Once you comprehend this love of Christ, I will see that you have been filled with all the fullness of God!

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