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DIMENSIONS OF GOD’S LOVE

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Jul 19
  • 4 min read

Today’s Reading:

Ephesians 3:14-21

“May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width, length, depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; ...” (v. 19)


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Dimension means: a measure of something in length, breadth, thickness (width), depth or height. It also refers to size, scope and extent of something. “Love” is a common word used extensively both in the physical (secular) and spiritual realms. It means charity, which is a disposition to think favorably of others and do them good. It indicates endearment or deep affection, strong liking, devoted attachment. In the secular world, love is categorised as: Eros (romantic/passionate love); Philia (affectionate/brotherly love); Storge(familial/family love); Philantia (self-love); and so on. In the spiritual world, the greatest type of love is the “Agape” (selfless/unconditional) love. This is God’s like of love! The characteristics of the Agape love include: universal (love for all mankind regardless of location, tribe, feeling or anything); unconditional (not dependent on feeling, and so on); selfless (totally sold-out); kind, and empathetic; generous; patient, long-suffering; consistent.


In our Today’s reading, Apostle Paul, in his letter to the believers in Ephesus, in vs 1-18 mentioned that he wished that they be rooted and grounded in love, (the love for Christ) and be able to comprehend with other saints, like us, the “dimension” – length, depth, width and height of the love of Christ which he said passes knowledge, that is, information or what is known by the human mind or assured belief. Paul’s expression in these verses stemmed from the earlier part of his letter, which is his marvel at Christ, which he mentioned in vs 3-6. He spoke of the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to sons of men in other ages, but now revealed by the Holy Spirit. This mystery is that Gentiles should be fellow heirs and partakers of God’s promises in Christ through the gospel. Having encountered Christ one-on-one, Paul was appreciative of the unsearchable riches of Christ and of the eternal purpose which God accomplished in him. The Agape love of God gave Jesus Christ his only begotten Son to the world, to reconcile man back to him after the fall of man in Eden (Gen 3). Christ became the “Love” of God (Agape) to humanity.


Within the limited scope of our minds, let us look at the “dimension” of God’s and Christ’s love. Starting with the: Width – the whole wide world, the universe is benefiting from the love of Christ. He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8; I Peter 1:20), the sacrifice for our sins. As believers, we were chosen in him before the foundation of the world (Eph.. 1:4). God, in love, gave Christ to the world (John 3:16). encompassing the whole world. Length – the length of God’s and Christ’s love extends from eternity to eternity. It extends from before the foundation of the world to eternity with them in the future. Depth – The unconditional love of Christ is found in the fact that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. His love has given us eternal life and reign with him, and even inheritance with him in the hereafter, with the Father in heaven. Profound and immeasurable, everlasting, it stretched from eternity past to eternity future. Nothing can separate us from the love (Rom 8:38-39). Unconditional and very deep! Height – Christ’s love is unwavering, does not fluctuate or depend on level or height or circumstances or behaviour. It is the foundation of our identity as God’s children. It is from heaven and not an earthly love. In his love, Christ has gone to prepare a place for each one in heaven for those who love him in return and will receive from him an inheritance.


Overall, the love of God and Christ passes all knowledge, that is, man’s natural thinking, it cannot be fathomed. God desires that mankind, especially believers, be rooted and grounded in their love for Christ (v17); be able to comprehend the dimension of the love and to know this love of Christ that passes knowledge. To love him with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39). The ultimate result is that we will be filled with all the fullness of God (v19). Only a believer can enjoy the dimension of God’s love without stress and denial.

CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.


Prayer:

  1. God of heaven and the earth, you are worthy of praise and adoration forever.

  2. Father, the dimensions of your love cannot be fathomed by the human heart; we bless your holy name for it.

  3. Precious Lord, the dimensions of your love for humanity cannot be measured; it brought us from death to life. Thank you.

  4. Father, teach the Church leaders to open the eyes of believers to the unspeakable love of the Trinity and make them love in return.

  5. Lord, open the hearts of our nation’s leaders to your love and help them to rule in love and love the people.

 
 
 

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