Advent Devotional: Make Room for JesusSample

Day 22: Make Room for Love

In our culture today, love is often conditional. It usually has boundaries and it almost always fluctuates depending on the limits of the giver. It mostly flows from feelings and it follows the inconsistencies of our heart. God’s love however has a much different definition. We see from the moment our Savior came to earth that God’s love had no limits. He knew He wanted to send His Son to save us but He didn’t let earthly circumstances keep that from happening. On that holy night, God’s marvelous love reached down and defied all human boundaries of love. John describes the gift of Jesus coming to the earth as this,

"So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." - John 1:14

A few days ago we were reminded that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God. While it’s hard for our feeble minds to comprehend the limitless love of God, He desires for us to experience that love so we can be filled with the fullness of God.

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 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. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." - Ephesians 3:16-19

God’s “agape” love in this scripture shows us just how vast and immeasurable His love is. It transcends all boundaries, all obstacles and all time. It’s not bound by hardships or difficult situations. God's love is so great, we can’t even fully understand it. As we make room for God’s love and allow our roots to grow deeper, we are promised strength to move forward, regardless of what’s happening around us.

REFLECT:

• What limits do you find yourself putting on God’s love in your life? Why?
• Why is it important to spend time in God’s word? How can that action help us become rooted in God’s love?
• How does understanding God’s limitless love help you show grace to others?

Pray:

As you spend time with God today, thank Him for the ways that His love has been evident in your life. Ask Him to help you be able to fully comprehend how wide and how long, how high and how deep is His love for you. Then ask Him to give you an opportunity to pour that love out onto someone today.