ARE YOU GROUNDED IN THE LOVE OF GOD? - By Pastor Peter Kayongo
Dear brethren, I greet you all in the Mighty Name of Jesus!
A question,are you sure you are grounded in the love of God?
Our text scripture comes from Ephesians 3:17-19,it says “…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:17–19).
Paul in the scripture, longing for the church to become fully united to the love of Christ, has prayed for the Spirit to build up our inner person and for Christ to settle in our hearts through faith. Here, he continues his request by asking that the love of Christ would establish us. It is a love, he confesses, which “surpasses knowledge,” but should still root and ground us, running into the core of our motivations and desires as believers.
Paul prayed for us to allow the love of Christ to become our root system.
”that you, being rooted…in love…”
He used a picture from nature to describe our relationship to Christ’s love. Just as the roots of a tree are to sink down deep into the earth in search of nutrients and stability, so the love of Christ nourishes and stabilizes the believer. Every person is in search of love, and this quest for love can cause the worst of behavior at times. But the believer who is rooted in the love of Christ has an endless supply of nourishment; love is perpetually theirs. When rooted in the love of Christ one can walk through a drought of earthly love, but still be fruitful and alive because of a secret love deep below the surface, the love of Christ.
Every person i believe endures the tears and trials of life. Believers do not escape the trials as well. In fact, new pains are added to them in the form of spiritual attacks, persecutions, and the burden of gospel work. We need, in the face of such trials, stability. We need God to make us firm in every windstorm of life. The love of Christ is a fortress for the soul, for trials lead to a temptation to view God as inept or uncaring. The cross of Christ shows us both views are wrong. God is powerful, vanquishing death, trials, and sin through the blood of His own Son. God is also caring; He demonstrated that love in sending His Son to die for us. The believer, rooted in Christ's love, is made strong to endure every trial and drought and storm.
Paul also prayed for us to allow the love of Christ to become our foundation.
”that you, being…grounded in love…”
He used a picture of a building to describe this relationship to Christ’s love. Like a structure which cannot stand firm and upright without a solid foundation, so the love of Christ provides a solid base for the believer. Much of the Christian life comes down to this relationship with Christ’s love, for many try to build a life of good works and meaning, attempting to do something radical for God, in an attempt to receive His love. It is far better to be utterly convinced of His love and then respond to it through a radical life of good works. The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.
Paul also prayed for us to have the strength to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
”…may have strength to comprehend…and to know the love of Christ…”
To him, the love of Christ was a vast expanse in all directions. It is a fortress to be scaled, a wilderness to be charted. He saw it as wide and long and high and deep. Perhaps these are mere expressions, a playful twist of fine literature, but a study of Ephesians shows us Christ’s love in all these directions fellow brethren.
The love of Christ has breadth, for Paul has taught us it is wide enough for the whole world, Jew and Gentile alike. No one is beyond the scope of His love my dear friends. The love of Christ has length, for Paul has shown us it is as long as eternity, having been established from the foundation of the world. The love of Christ has height, for Paul has taught us it has raised believers to be seated with Christ in the heavenly places. The love of Christ has depth, for Paul has shown us that, though we were dead in sin and followers of the flesh, the world, and the devil, we find escape in Jesus. There is no sin too deep for Him to rescue a person from.
So Paul prays for us, not to love Christ more, but to understand Christ’s love more. He envisions a people who are completely overtaken by the relentless love of Jesus Christ, for only then will we change the world.
At some point, a Christian is going to hear about love in the Bible. There is no way to get away from it. On top of that, they are going to come across the term being rooted and grounded in love. What exactly does being rooted and grounded in love even mean? Is it something God cares about? And if so, what scripture can we use to gain a centered and spiritually grounded heart posture?
WHAT IS BEING GROUNDED?
Being grounded is an anchored heart posture that lets us stand firm when troubles come. Being grounded as well signifies a bold, “It Is Well With My Soul” faith that no matter what, your heart which is sealed with the promises of Christ, remains actively peaceful
Being rooted and ground in love further again means to be rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus is considered love. Every born again believer is rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus who is love. Jesus is their foundation in which they live life.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A WELL GROUNDED PERSON
1.Unshakable calm
Well-grounded people see the trials as temporary and often seek out the silver lining by asking “what can I learn from this?” and “how can I grow despite my pain?”.
2.Nonconformity
Well-grounded people stick to their own moral compass and don’t conform for the sole purpose of fitting in.
3.Positive Outlook
Well-grounded people don’t do fake smiles and cheesy pep talks to mask anxiety. Their positive outlook comes from tried and true big-picture wisdom and a belief that contentment and gratitude are possible in all seasons of life.
4.Responsive vs Reactive
Well-grounded people notice the energies and attitudes of other people but are not thrown off track due to others’ negativity. Taking time to assess a situation and respond in a life-giving manner rather than react with impulsive or explosive emotion is a way of everyday life for a well-grounded person.
5.Strong Identity & Connectivity to Purpose
Well-grounded people know their true identity and are deeply aware of their intrinsic value and worth in their community.
6.Willingness to Celebrate Others
Well-grounded people see dignity and beauty in every life. There is no fear in celebrating the success of others since they are confident in their own path.
I’m pretty sure that by answering “What does it mean to be grounded?”, we’ve simultaneously and successfully determined that this in fact is something God cares about and wants for us.
I would say as I conclude that,Grounding is also an act of faith. Our submission to it is an act of trust. Finally, grounding helps us to know the full love of Christ. Unlike human parents, God does not ground or restrain us to punish us. God does not force us to comply. In fact, when we surrender, we actually surrender to love. Faith and love go together. When we are rooted (Christ secures us) and grounded (we actively choose and do this), we discover God’s love. We are reminded that the source of our salvation flows from God’s love. We are able to connect to him, one another, and the matters of the day in a transformed way.
It takes more than reading from God’s Word. It takes more than prayer. If we are to be rooted, if we are to stand upon the Rock, we will be obedient to God’s Word. Then it will completely transform our lives. Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32.
Do you want to be a new creature in Christ? Then you must be rooted in Christ, and continually growing to reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. You must have continual growth, or you will wither away and die.
Take time every day to dig deeply into God’s Word. Breathe the fresh air of God’s power and strength through prayer. Allow the Sun of Righteousness to arise in your heart. Do not be a forgetful hearer, but instead a doer also. Then, my friend, when the winds come, and when the storms rage around you, you will be found securely fastened to the Rock.
The next time God grounds you my dear sisters and brothers,receive it with joy as the gift of a Father who loves you. Pray: Lord, though difficult, I surrender to you. I trust in your guidance. Give me the wisdom to discern and lean into the right things. Empower me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to avoid that which would distract me from being built up in you.
Be blessed!!
Peter Kayongo
+256772425596
Dear brethren, I greet you all in the Mighty Name of Jesus!
A question,are you sure you are grounded in the love of God?
Our text scripture comes from Ephesians 3:17-19,it says “…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:17–19).
Paul in the scripture, longing for the church to become fully united to the love of Christ, has prayed for the Spirit to build up our inner person and for Christ to settle in our hearts through faith. Here, he continues his request by asking that the love of Christ would establish us. It is a love, he confesses, which “surpasses knowledge,” but should still root and ground us, running into the core of our motivations and desires as believers.
Paul prayed for us to allow the love of Christ to become our root system.
”that you, being rooted…in love…”
He used a picture from nature to describe our relationship to Christ’s love. Just as the roots of a tree are to sink down deep into the earth in search of nutrients and stability, so the love of Christ nourishes and stabilizes the believer. Every person is in search of love, and this quest for love can cause the worst of behavior at times. But the believer who is rooted in the love of Christ has an endless supply of nourishment; love is perpetually theirs. When rooted in the love of Christ one can walk through a drought of earthly love, but still be fruitful and alive because of a secret love deep below the surface, the love of Christ.
Every person i believe endures the tears and trials of life. Believers do not escape the trials as well. In fact, new pains are added to them in the form of spiritual attacks, persecutions, and the burden of gospel work. We need, in the face of such trials, stability. We need God to make us firm in every windstorm of life. The love of Christ is a fortress for the soul, for trials lead to a temptation to view God as inept or uncaring. The cross of Christ shows us both views are wrong. God is powerful, vanquishing death, trials, and sin through the blood of His own Son. God is also caring; He demonstrated that love in sending His Son to die for us. The believer, rooted in Christ's love, is made strong to endure every trial and drought and storm.
Paul also prayed for us to allow the love of Christ to become our foundation.
”that you, being…grounded in love…”
He used a picture of a building to describe this relationship to Christ’s love. Like a structure which cannot stand firm and upright without a solid foundation, so the love of Christ provides a solid base for the believer. Much of the Christian life comes down to this relationship with Christ’s love, for many try to build a life of good works and meaning, attempting to do something radical for God, in an attempt to receive His love. It is far better to be utterly convinced of His love and then respond to it through a radical life of good works. The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.
Paul also prayed for us to have the strength to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
”…may have strength to comprehend…and to know the love of Christ…”
To him, the love of Christ was a vast expanse in all directions. It is a fortress to be scaled, a wilderness to be charted. He saw it as wide and long and high and deep. Perhaps these are mere expressions, a playful twist of fine literature, but a study of Ephesians shows us Christ’s love in all these directions fellow brethren.
The love of Christ has breadth, for Paul has taught us it is wide enough for the whole world, Jew and Gentile alike. No one is beyond the scope of His love my dear friends. The love of Christ has length, for Paul has shown us it is as long as eternity, having been established from the foundation of the world. The love of Christ has height, for Paul has taught us it has raised believers to be seated with Christ in the heavenly places. The love of Christ has depth, for Paul has shown us that, though we were dead in sin and followers of the flesh, the world, and the devil, we find escape in Jesus. There is no sin too deep for Him to rescue a person from.
So Paul prays for us, not to love Christ more, but to understand Christ’s love more. He envisions a people who are completely overtaken by the relentless love of Jesus Christ, for only then will we change the world.
At some point, a Christian is going to hear about love in the Bible. There is no way to get away from it. On top of that, they are going to come across the term being rooted and grounded in love. What exactly does being rooted and grounded in love even mean? Is it something God cares about? And if so, what scripture can we use to gain a centered and spiritually grounded heart posture?
WHAT IS BEING GROUNDED?
Being grounded is an anchored heart posture that lets us stand firm when troubles come. Being grounded as well signifies a bold, “It Is Well With My Soul” faith that no matter what, your heart which is sealed with the promises of Christ, remains actively peaceful
Being rooted and ground in love further again means to be rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus is considered love. Every born again believer is rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus who is love. Jesus is their foundation in which they live life.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A WELL GROUNDED PERSON
1.Unshakable calm
Well-grounded people see the trials as temporary and often seek out the silver lining by asking “what can I learn from this?” and “how can I grow despite my pain?”.
2.Nonconformity
Well-grounded people stick to their own moral compass and don’t conform for the sole purpose of fitting in.
3.Positive Outlook
Well-grounded people don’t do fake smiles and cheesy pep talks to mask anxiety. Their positive outlook comes from tried and true big-picture wisdom and a belief that contentment and gratitude are possible in all seasons of life.
4.Responsive vs Reactive
Well-grounded people notice the energies and attitudes of other people but are not thrown off track due to others’ negativity. Taking time to assess a situation and respond in a life-giving manner rather than react with impulsive or explosive emotion is a way of everyday life for a well-grounded person.
5.Strong Identity & Connectivity to Purpose
Well-grounded people know their true identity and are deeply aware of their intrinsic value and worth in their community.
6.Willingness to Celebrate Others
Well-grounded people see dignity and beauty in every life. There is no fear in celebrating the success of others since they are confident in their own path.
I’m pretty sure that by answering “What does it mean to be grounded?”, we’ve simultaneously and successfully determined that this in fact is something God cares about and wants for us.
I would say as I conclude that,Grounding is also an act of faith. Our submission to it is an act of trust. Finally, grounding helps us to know the full love of Christ. Unlike human parents, God does not ground or restrain us to punish us. God does not force us to comply. In fact, when we surrender, we actually surrender to love. Faith and love go together. When we are rooted (Christ secures us) and grounded (we actively choose and do this), we discover God’s love. We are reminded that the source of our salvation flows from God’s love. We are able to connect to him, one another, and the matters of the day in a transformed way.
It takes more than reading from God’s Word. It takes more than prayer. If we are to be rooted, if we are to stand upon the Rock, we will be obedient to God’s Word. Then it will completely transform our lives. Jesus said, “If you continue in My Word, then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32.
Do you want to be a new creature in Christ? Then you must be rooted in Christ, and continually growing to reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. You must have continual growth, or you will wither away and die.
Take time every day to dig deeply into God’s Word. Breathe the fresh air of God’s power and strength through prayer. Allow the Sun of Righteousness to arise in your heart. Do not be a forgetful hearer, but instead a doer also. Then, my friend, when the winds come, and when the storms rage around you, you will be found securely fastened to the Rock.
The next time God grounds you my dear sisters and brothers,receive it with joy as the gift of a Father who loves you. Pray: Lord, though difficult, I surrender to you. I trust in your guidance. Give me the wisdom to discern and lean into the right things. Empower me to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to avoid that which would distract me from being built up in you.
Be blessed!!
Peter Kayongo
+256772425596