Ephesians (W2D1) Love for all God's People
Week2. Monday: Love for All God’s People
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word
READ: Ephesians 1:15-16
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
The Ephesians were commended because of their great faith and love.
The Ephesians eventually lost their love (see Revelation 2:1-7).
Jesus tells them if they do not repent their church will be removed.
Faith (Greek: pistis): trust, confidence, conviction (Hebrews 11:1)
Love (Greek: agapē): unconditional affection leading to action
Jesus said we should be known by our love ( John 13:35)
Love is not a feeling, but rather a choice to act (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
ALL (Greek: pas): every individual, every age, race, social status - all means all
Giving Thanks (Greek: eucharisteō): to be grateful (Colossians 3:17)
Paul was continually thanking God for His work in the Ephesian church.
Also see Rom. 1:8-10; 1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; Col. 1:3-4; 1 Thess. 1:2-3
Prayers (Greek: proseuchē): earnest and devoted prayer (Acts 2:42)
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
The main idea in this passage is praying for God’s people, that is the church. Paul is continually thankful to God for the Ephesians love for one another. This is important because our love for one another is how the world will know that we belong to Christ (John 13:35). However, churches today are filled with strife and division. No wonder Christianity has lost so much influence in our culture.
Be honest with yourself. Do you unconditionally love everyone in your church?
Loving each other does not mean that there will not be disagreement or issues. However, as the body of Christ we are called to love at the highest level. When we have issues we work quickly to resolve them and pursue reconciliation (James 5:19-20). Love also calls us to care for each other at the highest level. Part of the beauty of the church is that we carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Lastly, we pray. We pray without stopping (1 Thess. 5:17). We lift each other up to the Lord day and night.
How often do you pray the people in your church? What do you pray for?
PRAY: Ask God to help you love others the way that He loves you.
