By: Bishop Dr. Etta Mhoon-Walker, PhD, DDiv
Monday Devotion and Prayer. June 5, 2023 “Our Children Need to Know God’s Love”
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
It’s hard to grasp that anyone could love our children more than a parent does. Yet there is One whose love for them surpasses our own. As much love as I have for my child, Jesus loves him more. But do our children understand how much? When our children are under our protective care, we try to do everything right. We sing, “Jesus loves me, this I know,” and read Bible stories like David and Goliath or Jonah and the Whale. All the while, we hope God’s love seeps into those little hearts. We also hope they choose to love him back. Because we know this incredible love will carry them through their teens, the young adult years, and the rest of their lives.
Sometimes I question whether I’ve done enough. I wonder if I planted the right seeds for deep-rooted faith to grow. But all my efforts can lead me to think their faith journey is up to me. When in truth, God is guiding their steps. When we want to explain to our children about God’s love for them, sometimes we struggle to find the right words. Are they old enough to comprehend His sacrifice? How do I explain? I want their young minds to understand all he gave for us so that they can know the breadth of his love. Ephesians 3:17-19 is one of my favorite verses for children and adults alike. Paul gives a perfect description of God’s perfect love for his people. A message easily understood by both young and old— God’s love for us has no boundaries.
“May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height” Ephesians 3:18. Reading these words brings me comfort when I second-guess myself as a mom. Reading these words to our child(ren) reminds them they can always count on God’s forever love. His love for them will never change, no matter what they face in this world. Let’s pray this prayer together for our children to know God’s Love.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love. There is nothing else like it. And thank you for my children. I understand your love for them reaches beyond any distance mine could ever reach. Help them to know your love. I want to be able to comfort them and reassure them everything will be okay, but there will be times I’m unable to be there for them, especially as they get older. Thank you for surrounding them with your love, Father.
Thank you for guiding our children as they learn to trust your loving care. Lord, when our children are afraid, help them know how wide your love is. When they feel discouraged, help them know your love extends to the greatest lengths for them. When they are sad or lonely, let them know even the tallest mountain cannot compare to the height of your love. When they feel alone, help them know the depth of your love. As they grow and learn more about you each day, I pray this incomparable love will pierce their hearts and change their lives forever. May our children make the ultimate decision to love you because you first loved them. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
