Rooted and Grounded in Love

I have recently been reading the book “Created for His Glory” by Jim Berg. In this study of Ephesians Mr. Berg focuses on the blessings that we have in Christ. Last week as I read his book, one phrase of Scripture stuck in my mind. Since then I have not been able to stop thinking about that phrase.

In Ephesians 3:14-21 we find a prayer of the Apostle Paul for the church that was in Ephesus. Paul begins by praying that God would give them strength that could only come from the Holy Spirit (3:16). H also prayed that Christ would dwell, or have control over their lives (3:17). But then he ended verse seventeen by praying that they would be, “rooted and grounded in love.”

Community is one tool used by God to fulfill our acceptance cravings or longings for happiness. But another is ministering to the needs of others in love. This goes totally against the philosophy of our post modern culture. The natural response is to take our needs and make them the focus of our lives. But are we being “rooted and grounded in love” when we do this? Of course not!

The only way we can be “rooted and grounded in love” is by putting the needs of others above our own. In other words, when you see someone who is in need, help them. There are people all around us today who are struggling. And though we can’t meet all of their needs a kind word or encouraging letter can do a world of good.

A few Saturdays ago I was cleaning house when my phone rang. It was one of the pastors at the church that I attend regularly. He called to ask if I wanted to go get a coffee somewhere. I told him that would be fine and asked where we needed to meet. He then told me that he was at a McDonalds less than four miles from my house.

Now you must understand that this pastor lived at least forty five minutes from me. And he had much better things to do on a Saturday than drive to Melton and have a coffee! But that did not stop him from taking the time to do it. I was absolutely floored by his act of kindness, and we had a wonderful time of fellowship that morning.

It is not easy to focus on the needs of others. Especially since we have so many needs of our own! But taking a moment out of the day to meet the needs of others will allow us to be “rooted and grounded in love.” And that random act of kindness or encouraging word will be used by God.