Devotion: Give your whole heart!
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3: 14-21, NIV
God gives us unfathomable love. He holds nothing back.
God’s love for us is wide and long and high and deep. He holds nothing back.
God gives us His all—even his only son. He forgives us. He holds nothing back.
God gives us power through the Holy Spirit. He holds nothing back.
What does it mean to give your whole heart to God? How can I love God with my whole heart, holding absolutely nothing back, and putting nothing BEFORE HIM? If you are like me, you may find that your actions do not always reflect a strong love for God but instead, show your sinful nature. If you love God with all your heart, your actions should follow.
When you love God with your whole heart, a sharp tongue to your spouse can be changed to a kind word and loving attitude. Impatience with your child or grandchild can be changed to a loving spirit that shows patience and understanding. Ignoring your neighbor’s needs can be transformed into going out of your way to show kindness and caring for all. Skipping daily devotions and time with God can be changed into a thirst for God’s word and a connection to Him, increasing the time you spend in prayer, reflection, and reading His word.
Can we bring about this transformation on our own? No.
God will strengthen us with power through the Holy Spirit in our inner being so that Christ will dwell in your heart. Only God has the strength and power to help us give our all to Him. He will open the way for us to love Him with our whole heart and to love others deeply. Hold nothing back. Give God your whole heart and soul and mind and be ready for a transformation.
Written by Julie Johnson. Words from the song, “I Give You My Heart” by Reuben Morgan were borrowed for thi prayer.