The Dimensions of Love

Story about kids answering the question; “What does love mean?”

Read Ephesians 3:14-19

Paul’s prayer that we read this morning reveals to us the wellspring from which the power and the glory of God –which we read about last week — rise up in our midst. He prays that the Ephesians would grasp hold of something that would pave the way for God’s work among them.

Why is it that when Paul talks about knowing God loves him, he is so excited he can hardly contain himself, but when we hear about it, we’re more tempted to yawn than to dance? Because we don’t really get it. We know it, but we don’t get it.

Paul is not praying that God’s people would know that God loves them, but that they would know God’s love. Did you hear the difference?

Do you know God’s love, or do you only know that God loves you?

There are four dimensions of God’s love that Paul prays we might understand. As we consider them in our minds, may they also penetrate our hearts.

(MULTILINE REVEAL BIG)

(MULTILINE REVEAL BIG)

(MULTILINE REVEAL BIG)(MULTILINE REVEAL BIG)

(MULTILINE REVEAL BIG)

Do you have any idea how much God loves you?

That’s not a platitude. And you may sometimes feel like you’re as unlovable and unhuggable as that stinky, sticky little girl. But God wants to pick you up, like that Daddy picked up his baby and hold you close and love you. He’s not worried about getting dirty or messy – in fact He was willing to take on all of our mess, cover it with blood and carry it to Calvary.

You know God loves you – but do you know? Do you really know?

Turn to somebody and say: God is crazy about you!

Now all you have to do is believe it!

How can you go out this week and put this sermon you just heard into practice?

(MULTILINE REVEAL BIG)

How can we be praying for you?