Phil O'Banion: Rooted and Grounded in Love

Last month, I endeavored to discuss the passage I'd like to expand that study this time around, as there are other important passages in the bible that expand upon this idea of being 'rooted' in Christ.

Ephesians chapter 3 uses the terms 'rooted' and 'grounded' synonymously.

Ephesians 3: 16 – 18

[16]… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18] may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with the fullness of God.

What does it mean to be 'rooted' in Christ? It means we are grounded in the knowledge of His love. To KNOW the love of Christ – which according to the author of Ephesians is something that is almost unknowable and yet, we are commanded to strive to understand this four-dimensional love that cannot be contained.

The True Vine

John 15: 1 – 11

[1] "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. [2] Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit..."

Such clear imagery! It reminds me of the vivid imagery in Psalm 1. Everyone knows that a branch is nothing if not connected to the tree (or vine). It must be part of a larger whole to grow. Alone – or cut off – this branch will quickly wither and die.

Are you hoping to live forever or leave a lasting legacy? Earthly wealth and fame won't get you there. Immortality can only be claimed by those in Christ – because He was the original heir of that gift, the one who first conquered sin and death and put on immortality.