“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:16-17).
Not only do you need (and God provides you with) inner strength and Christ’s abiding presence, another genuine spiritual need you have is a life anchored in love.
God is love (1 John 4:8). This means He ever thinks and acts in a predetermined way, because agape love is far more than a passing sentiment or fleeting emotion. It is a mindset, a habit of character, a way of life.
As the “so” in “God so loved the world” (John 3:16) demonstrates, agape love ever focuses upon what is best for another, regardless of the cost to self. You have a genuine spiritual need to live continuously by this unselfish mindset. Your heart and life need to be rooted and grounded in love.
“Rooted” is an agricultural term. It denotes that essential yet unseen part of a vibrant plant which stabilizes and nourishes its seen portion. Like the roots of a thistle which seem to be connected to the middle of the earth, agape love needs to be the inexhaustible, dogged, enduring way by which you live your life and treat your enemies as well as your friends.
“Grounded” is an architectural term. It denotes the solid foundation which is essential to a building’s ability to withstand life’s greatest challenges and trials. Agape love needs to be the stable, persistent, inflexible way by which you live your life and treat your enemies as well as your friends.
Being rooted and grounded—steadfast, immoveable, and always abounding—in loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself is a legitimate spiritual need.
