Hello again, sweet sisters!
I’m so glad you’re here. We’re one day away from Valentine celebrations and here in The Garden, we’re focusing on L-O-V-E. So without delay, let’s go ahead and dig into the meat…
God loves you.
Okay, maybe that sounds a bit more like milk than meat. Being in full time ministry with your boo, you've heard that phrase a lot. Maybe you've even taught on it. If nothing else, you’ve probably said it a time or two... or a hundred.
 |
| Photo Source |
About a year ago I started pondering those words: God loves you. I’ve seen them displayed on signs off the side of the highway. I’ve heard preachers, and televangelists, and youth leaders say them. Within our churches and among Christian communities those words are often tossed around like a good game of hot potato. Their powerful meaning can be easily lost in the hustle and bustle of church culture and within the language of “Christianese.” But those words, which have become commonplace, began to strike my curiosity. Do we really understand this concept? Isn’t it too lofty for us (even those of us in church leadership) to grasp how deeply the God of the universe loves us—individually and intimately?
The other night, before going to bed, I came across Ephesians 3, in which Paul was writing to Christians. He prayed that they might gain some understanding of God’s love, “which surpasses knowledge”!
"... I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have the 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 of the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:17-19I turned to my pastor-husband and said, “Babe, I don’t think I truly understand God’s love for me. I haven’t yet grasped that concept. Have you?” He quickly replied, “No. I haven’t grasped it yet either.”
I began a quest (which I am still on and hope to always be on) to discover the love of God. I want to dive into the depths of it so that when those words come out of my mouth in ministry--those "God loves you" words--I might know the weight they carry.
It’s a crazy love.
This Love lavishes undeserved gifts onto us like robes of righteousness, eternal life, and adoption. He seals our heart with the Helper. He crowns us with glory and honor. He even seats us with His Son Jesus in the Heavenly realms! Can we really lay hold of what all of this means?
I liken this love to the ocean. Just when I think I’ve got it, when I feel I’ve grown to be a scuba diver, exploring the unknown depths, I wake to the reality that I’m still a child, barely at the edge of the beach.
His love embraces when we fail to meet the expectations of others.
His love offers grace when we make mistakes.
His love surrounds us when others reject.
His love gives hope when we wrestle with our circumstances.
His love brings promise when we're ready to throw in the towel.
His love brings promise when we're ready to throw in the towel.
His love remains faithful when our wandering hearts lead us astray.
His love compels us to build the Kingdom alongside our husbands.
Precious sister in the faith, and fellow Kingdom ambassador, allow me the privilege today of reminding you of this incredible truth that surpasses knowledge. Lean in close and feel the life-giving power that drips from these letters. Don’t let the familiar water them down. Embrace this promise and dive deep in it “so that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). Are you ready to receive it? Here it is, glorious and beautiful…
God loves YOU! :)
Woo hoo! Now let's go share that love.
In closing, I'd like to invite you to listen to this beautiful song, called The Love of Christ, from Laura Cooksey's album, Unshakable. It's wonderful! If you have any trouble watching the video below, hop on over to itunes and download a copy. :)
In His Love,
Monique Zackery
Thank you Monique for this reminder of God's love. We can describe His love, but we could never measure it or really grasp it. It's just too awesome. Love you much, Sister!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Carla. That's so true. We can describe it. But measuring it, we cannot do. Love you too!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Niquey! Great word! It is so crazy to think about the love of Christ. It's something I've been praying about lately, too. We could possess all the talent in the world, but without love we are nothing. That is my prayer for being in ministry; not that people would think of me as a singer, a writer, or whatever, but as someone that truly made them feel loved.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary!! I'm so glad you stopped by here. I totally hear ya. I desire the same thing. I want people to feel loved and to see the love of Christ displayed in my life. :) Hope all is well with you. Blessings!
DeleteHey Monique! I am sorry it's taken me so long to read your beautiful post! Yes, His Love...oh the unsearchable depths...I especially loved the image that this brought:
ReplyDelete"This Love lavishes undeserved gifts onto us like robes of righteousness, eternal life, and adoption."
Picturing those covering us like the most luxurious garments...I've missed you! with love & hugs:}
Aww Abby! I miss you too!!
DeleteAnd yes, those luxurious garments. What beauty!! Our God is incomparable, indescribable, unmatched, and His love is too. :)
Hope you and the family are doing great. :) Blessings to you.