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Ephesians 3:16-19, I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may 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, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

In today's focus verses, we find this beautiful prayer that Paul offers for the people in the Ephesian church.  He starts by asking God to strengthen them by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Ephesus was a very pagan city.  The church there dealt with opposition on a daily basis.  Paul knew they needed supernatural strength.  The same could probably be said of us today.  The sources of our distractions and opposition are different but still powerful. 

Next, he prayed that they would be rooted in Jesus' love and understand how expansive and deep his love truly is for his people.  In understanding this, it would change how they interacted with one another and with the unbelieving world.  Having a solid understanding of God's extravagant love for us, we can extravagantly love others. Think about that...when we experience God's love so deeply, it's much easier to act in love toward others, even when they aren't very lovable.  I've had to deal with some pretty unpleasant people this week who I didn't feel like being loving toward.  But then I read this verse and God quickly reminded me - he loved me when I wasn't so lovable.  Because of his deep love for me, I can respond to others with love, period.

Finally, Paul prays that as they have this full understanding of God's love, they will be filled with the fullness of God.  What might it be like to be filled with the fullness of God?  I'm not sure I've gotten there yet but I sure want to get there.  It sounds like there could be nothing better!

Let's pray...God of Love, We give you glory and praise for the way you demonstrate your love to us.  Help us be even but a small reflection of your love toward others.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.