“May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;– Ephesians 3:18 (KJV)
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.”– Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
“And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love.”– Ephesians 3:18 (MSG)
What Does Ephesians 3:18 Mean?
Ephesians 3:18 invites us to truly understand the love of Christ. When we look at the phrases “breadth,” “length,” “depth,” and “height,” we see a beautiful portrayal of the vastness of God’s love. Each word forms a significant dimension that challenges us to grasp just how expansive God’s love is. We should not only consider these words individually but also how they weave together a picture of love that covers all aspects of our lives. This love is not just a fleeting feeling. It is a continuous, surrounding, and foundational force in our existence.
Think about how wide God’s love is; it reaches every corner of our lives, no matter how far we stray or how deeply we think we fall. The length suggests that God’s love endures through time, never wavering as we move through life’s various seasons. Next, the depth implies that God’s love meets us even at our lowest points, where we feel most undeserving. Lastly, the height represents how His love elevates us, promising us a future filled with hope and purpose, reminding us of our worth and value.
Ephesians 3:18 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that understanding the enormity of Christ’s love is crucial. He prayed for the Ephesians, and us as well, that we could comprehend the vastness of this love. It’s a prayer that encourages a relationship with Christ that goes beyond mere knowledge, involving a deep and abiding connection that transforms us from the inside out.
Sometimes, we might feel unworthy or disconnected. We may think we have done too much wrong to be loved. However, Ephesians 3:18 reassures us that God’s love is wide enough to cover all sins, long enough to last forever, deep enough to reach us in our lowest state, and high enough to lift us up again. This makes His love available to everyone, regardless of their past or current circumstances.
We find ourselves reflecting on God’s love through the stories in the Bible. Consider the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father welcomes back his wayward son with open arms, illustrating how far God is willing to go to express His love for us. In the same way, we are called to extend that love toward others, fostering community and connection.
We can look at 1 Corinthians 13, which describes love in action. “Love is patient, love is kind…”, and these attributes are all reflected in God’s love for us. By living these attributes out, we embody the love of Christ to those around us. If we fully comprehend this divine love, we can then share it with others, promoting unity and fellowship in our communities, just as Paul encouraged the Ephesians to do.
Context of Ephesians 3:18
Understanding the context of Ephesians 3:18 helps us understand why Paul emphasizes love so profoundly. The letter to the Ephesians was written while Paul was imprisoned. Despite his circumstances, he focused on the Church’s spiritual empowerment and growth through God’s love. Paul knew that his hardships gave him a deeper appreciation for the love of Christ and how it gave him hope, strength, and endurance.
The early church faced several challenges, both from outside pressures and internal struggles. Paul’s message in this verse is a reminder that we have a source of strength and hope that transcends our problems. The love of Christ helps unite diverse groups, breaking down barriers, so that even in difficult times, believers can find solace in one another and God’s promises.
Additionally, the previous verses highlight God’s purpose and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. God’s love isn’t limited to a specific group; it’s open to everyone. This inclusive nature is essential for promoting community and acceptance among all believers; we share in God’s love and grace, allowing it to overflow into our relationships.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Ephesians 3:18
The verses’ key components—breadth, length, depth, and height—play a vital role in illustrating God’s love. As we contemplate these dimensions, they expand our perception of how God relates to us.
The breadth of God’s love signifies its all-encompassing nature. We can come as we are, with differing backgrounds and walks of life, and find a place within the community. When we realize how God loves us despite our imperfections, it invites a sense of belonging, fostering unity in a world often marked by division.
The length of God’s love emphasizes its eternal aspect. From the moment we enter a relationship with Christ until eternity, we are never left alone. This love does not diminish over time like human love can; it remains consistent and reliable.
The depth of His love reveals God’s understanding of our struggles and hardships. God meets us in our brokenness, inviting us to lean on Him in difficult times. Knowing that His love reaches the lowest points gives us the courage to be authentic in our relationship with Him, sharing our true selves without fear of rejection.
Finally, the height of God’s love signifies our elevation through Christ. His love does not just accept us; it transforms us, enabling us to rise above life’s challenges. Our worth is not determined by our circumstances but by our identity as beloved children of God. This elevates how we see ourselves and how we view others, prompting us to love as we have been loved.
Lessons to Learn From Ephesians 3:18
The lessons from Ephesians 3:18 invite us to consider how we embrace and extend love in our lives. First, understanding dimensions of God’s love helps us grasp the vastness of our relationships with one another. As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror this expansive love by welcoming others into our circles, regardless of differences.
Next, we learn about the importance of community. Through shared faith and experiences, we can carry one another’s burdens, embodying the depth of God’s love in tangible ways. Simple acts of kindness foster connection and remind others they are not alone.
Furthermore, Ephesians 3:18 encourages self-compassion. Recognizing that God deeply loves us should inspire us to treat ourselves with grace. We often hold ourselves to impossible standards, but reflecting on God’s unwavering love helps us see our worth and invites us to grow into our best selves. It’s okay to fall short at times, as His love is always there to lift us up.
Lastly, we’re taught the power of love. When we embrace God’s love wholeheartedly, it has the potential to change our conversations, our actions, and our reactions. Love is the foundation that fosters unity, joy, and peace. The mission to spread love should be a guiding principle in our lives, leading us to be ambassadors of hope in our communities.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Ephesians 3:18 encourages us to deepen our understanding of God’s love and its implications for our lives. As we comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height of His love, we find reassurance and empowerment to walk in faith.
We challenge ourselves to extend that love to others, creating a ripple effect within our communities. Let his love transform our lives, allowing us to engage with the world in compassion, grace, and understanding. With this transformative love at our core, we can create an environment where others feel accepted, valued, and uplifted.
We can continue to explore other biblical passages, such as the story of David and Jonathan, to see love and friendship displayed in the heart of scripture. Let’s allow the lessons of love from Ephesians 3:18 to shape who we are as followers of Christ.