Day #27

Hmmm....

several themes catching my eye, but I think I'll go with this :

Eph 4:13-16

"..till we all come to the unity of the faith and..." v13

Unity is again mentioned here. I know I've pretty much gone over it in length yesterday, but here I think it is in a slightly different context. It is important for us not only to have faith, but also be united with one another in that same faith. What is there to be gained from flexing your faith muscles, so to speak, if it causes discord and strife? Above all, unity should be given a sense of priority, because it concerns something much bigger than ourselves.

"...should no longer be children, tossed to and fro..." v14

I wonder why the word children is used here. Are we not encouraged to have a childlike faith, a childlike trust in God? Or perhaps, the 'tossing to and fro' indicates the immaturity of our thoughts and the possible lack of a firm belief, one we cling on tightly. Are we really that easily swayed by thoughts of doubt, false truths and half lies?

"...but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into all things into Him who is the head - Christ -" v15

Speaking the truth in love... doesn't that sum up our mission in live rather neatly? To proclaim the truth about our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ, about God's grace and our salvation, and do so IN LOVE?

In fact, I think love and truth are so closely intertwined with each other it is sometimes hard to separate the two.

The truth is love:
The truth about our God is just that - God IS love. He sent his son for us, the ultimate expression of love a father can possibly show. He continually forgives us our trespasses, he renews His grace daily, every single day, He has plans and a future for us, all because He loves us.

Love is the truth:
Nothing else can be more real, more tangible, and more amazing than love. To love another means to acknowledge the truth that our Father first loved us, and we are a product of His love. And to love God in return simply means responding to that truth, to say YES to his calling, and to surrender our all to Him.

"...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together... causes growth in the body for the edifying of itself in love." v16

As we grow, as we interact, and as we share, we are encouraging each other to grow even more, thus edifying the body as a whole. This can only happen if we are one in the spirit, unified. And it happens in a cycle as well - more unity --> more growth --> more unity --> more growth once again. Endlessly building upon itself, such is the power of love and unity.

Is there anything stopping us from returning back to the very heart of God - love?

Prayer : Dear Lord, we thank You once again for loving us. And we want to show that same love to others, so that they too, will know Your love and in turn share that with others. Forgive the immaturity of our hearts; we want more of You today, come and fill us Lord, for we are thirsty for more. And teach us to love, like You have first loved us. Amen.