God is such a good loving father that he wants us to live with a foundational understanding

of his affection toward us. He wants the knowledge of his unconditional love for us to be so deeply rooted within us that all striving ceases, and we live in total freedom as his children.

Today we're going to further explore that concept as we begin to finish up our week on knowing

the heart of God. Welcome to the first 15 podcast.

Our scripture for today comes from Ephesians 3 verses 17 through 19.

Scripture says,

So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith,

that you being rooted and grounded in love 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 all the fullness of God.

One of the most wonderful results of knowing the heart of God is living with a foundation

of affection.

Often we spend too much of our daily time and energy

working for the affections of others.

From trying to earn the respect and admiration of friends and family

to vying for approval from a complete stranger,

we are in constant need of affection.

But as believers, we've been given a wellspring of love and affection in communion with our Heavenly Father. There's nothing we have to do or could

ever do to earn the love of God. His love is the beginning. His affection is meant to be the catalyst for our emotions, thoughts,

and actions rather than the result. It's for this reason God calls us to be rooted and grounded

in his love in Ephesians 3, verse 17 through 19. Scripture says, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through

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